Apricot Bread with Nuts

Apricots add a welcome sweetness to this bread recipe. This bread recipe is fairly quick - but read ahead to make sure you leave time to soak the apricots.

Notes

Sometimes this turns out a bit dry, but is still wonderful with butter or cream cheese. If you notice that it's dry before you put it in the pans, add more milk to the batter.

Ingredients

1 cup dried apricots
1/3 cup warm water
2 1/2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
Milk
2 tablespoons melted shortening
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

Wash apricots in cold water. Cut in small pieces & soak in warm water 2-3 hours.
Beat eggs until light. Gradually add sugar, beating thoroughly.
Drain apricots, saving liquid. Measure liquid and add enough milk to make 1 cup. Add melted shortening to milk, then add apricots. Add milk/apricot mixture to eggs; then add flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in nuts.
Pour into 3 loaf pans well-greased and lined with waxed paper. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove from pan, let cool on rack.