Mum's Apricot Nut Bread

My mother was an artist.  Sketching and painting were her escape from housework.  She often said that she did not like to cook. 

But she had a couple recipes worth keeping and making when we four sisters grew up.  This is one of them.  It tastes wonderful.

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We would snack on this while begging her to draw us paper dolls on the empty cereal box inside white cardboard.  She always did, but insisted on drawing lingerie on them. 

We wanted them naked so we could trace their shapes and design all their clothes ourselves.  Mum was modest, not truly artsy fartsy!    

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Measure 2 cups dried apricots.  Soak for 30 minutes in warm water to cover.  Drain and cut into small pieces.

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Mix together:

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2 cups sugar

4 tablespoons butter

2 eggs

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Stir in 1/2 cup water and 1 cup orange juice.

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Sift together and stir in 4 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons salt

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Blend in 1 cup chopped walnuts and the apricots.

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Pour into two 9 x 5 greased loaf pans.

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Let stand for 20 minutes.

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Bake 55 to 60 minutes at 350 degrees.

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