This recipe originally came from the "Fannie Farmer Cookbook"...the 12th edition from 1979.  Over the years of baking this wonderful bread, I've modified the recipe...sometime to reflect what I had in the larder on any given day and/or to change and perhaps enhance the flavor.

It is brown and crusty on the outside...with bits of tart apricot and toasted almond scattered throughout.  Also, it seems to me the flavors are more subtle if the bread sets for a day.

1 1/2 cups dried apricots that have been cut in half
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup brandy
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups white flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 egg, well beaten
2 tablespoons orange marmalade

Preheat the over to 350 (F).  Butter a loaf pan.  Put the apricots in a bowl and add the 1/2 cup brandy and the boiling water...add the butter, sugar and salt...stir gently...and then let cool until lukewarm.  In large bowl then combine the apricot brandy mixture with all the other ingredients and mix very well.

Spoon into prepared loaf pan and bake for one hour and 15 minutes (1 1/4 hours).  Remove from the pan and cool on a rack.

This quick and easy recipe is good for a busy weeknight...yet it is also good as company fare.  Serve with rice and garnish with toasted sliced almonds and bits of fresh parsley.

8 chicken thighs (bone in/skin on)
1 cup apricot preserves
1 cup French salad dressing 
1 (1 ounce) package of dry onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350 (F)

In a medium bowl combine the preserves, salad dressing and onion soup mix.  Mix until combined.

Place chicken pieces skin side down in a 9 x 13 - inch baking dish.  Pour apricot mixture over chicken and bake for 30 minutes uncovered at 350 (F);  turn chicken pieces over so they are skin side up and bake another 30 minutes at 350 (F) or until done...basting if needed.

Serve with rice and garnish with parsley and toasted sliced almonds.


 

This recipe originated in the Canadian cookbook called "I've GOT To Have That Recipe!".  Over time I've modified the recipe slightly...improvement on what was already perfect?  Anyhow, if you decide to try this, enjoy.

2 cups flour
2/3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
1/2 to 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk (do NOT use skim)

Combine dry ingredients in bowl.  Mix together remaining ingredients and add to dry ingredients.  Mix well.  Spoon into a greased loaf pan.

Bake 60 to 70 minutes at 350 (F)...or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.