Recipes

Using kitchen shears, cut each apricot in half lengthwise.

Holding halves together, cut four or five times crosswise.

In a small saucepan, combine apricot pieces and orange juice.

Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

Allow to rest until apricots have absorbed most of the liquid, about 1 hour.

Heat oven to 325 degrees.

Place a baking sheet in oven. Spray or oil a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, and if desired, line with parchment paper.

Melt butter in a microwave oven or small saucepan; reserve.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, blend together reserved butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and orange zest.

Mix in eggs one at a time, then mashed bananas, apricots, and nuts.

Stir in flour mixture one-third at a time, stirring well after each addition.

Scrape dough into pan, and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

Place pan on a rack to cool.

To serve, remove from pan, and slice thinly.

Serve at room temperature.