1 c. finely cut dried apricots
1 1/2 c. boiling water
3/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. whole bran cereal
1 c. milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 c. salad oil
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. BLAIR orange flavoring

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover apricots with boiling water; let stand 10 minutes and drain well. Mix apricots and 3/4 cup sugar, set aside. Combine bran cereal and milk in a large bowl, let stand a minute or two until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add eggs, orange flavoring and oil and beat well.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to cereal mixture, stirring only until all ingredients are moistened. Fold in apricot mixture. Spread batter evenly in a well greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pan lined with waxed paper. Sprinkle top with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Bake for 1 hour or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Let stand until thoroughly cooled before slicing. Yields: 1 loaf.