Apricot Bread

1  cup  dried apricots
1  cup  sugar
2  Tbs  butter, melted
1  egg
1/4  cup  water
1/2  cup  orange juice
Grated rind from one orange, optional
2  cups  flour
2  tsp  baking soda
1  tsp salt
1/2  cup  chopped nuts

Cover apricots with warm water. Soak for 30 minutes. Drain and chop into 1/4" pieces. Blend sugar, butter, and egg. Add water, and orange juice.

Sift dry ingredients together. Add grated orange rind, if using. Toss to coat the rind. Add to liquids. Beat until smooth. Add apricots and nuts.

Pour into prepared loaf pan. Let sit for 20 minutes before baking. Bake @350 degrees for 55-65 minutes.
Cool and then remove from pan.