1 1/2 c. dried apricots, cut in bite sizes
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
3/4 c. orange juice
2 c. sifted flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. grated orange rind
1 c. chopped nuts (English walnuts preferred)

Soak apricots in water to cover for 30 minutes. Drain and chop. Cream butter and sugar. Beat eggs and add alternately to butter mixture with orange juice. Add dry ingredients. Add apricots, orange rind and nuts. Pour into greased 9x5 inch loaf pan lined with greased foil, brown or wax paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. This bread is delicious toasted, buttered and served with coffee. Freezes well. Serves 12.