1/2 c. packed dried apricots
1/3 c. water
2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. maple syrup or 1 c. brown sugar
2 tbsp. butter
1 egg
1/3 c. orange liqueur
3/4 c. chopped pecans

Soak apricots for 20 minutes in water. Mix together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl, beat maple syrup, butter, and egg. Wring water from apricots into orange liqueur. Stir flour into butter mixture a little at a time, alternating with liqueur mixture. Stir in apricots and nuts.

Pour batter into lightly oiled 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. Bread will be golden brown and tooth pick should come out clean when done. Cool before cutting. Makes 1 loaf.