1 tsp. very hot water
1 c. finely snipped dried apricots
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. butter, softened
1 tbsp. grated lemon rind
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts

Grease and flour one 8 x 4 x 2 (approximately) loaf pan. In medium bowl mix baking soda with hot water, add apricots and let stand for 10 minutes.

In large bowl, beat sugar, butter, egg, lemon rind, vanilla and salt until well blended. Add flour and apricot mixture. Beat until flour is blended in - do not over beat. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan or rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on cake rack.