Fruity Banana Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Using kitchen shears, cut each apricot in half lengthwise.
2. 2
   Holding halves together, cut four or five times crosswise.
3. 3
   In a small saucepan, combine apricot pieces and orange juice.
4. 4
   Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
5. 5
   Allow to rest until apricots have absorbed most of the liquid, about 1 hour.
6. 6
   Heat oven to 325 degrees.
7. 7
   Place a baking sheet in oven.
8. 8
   Spray or oil a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, and if desired, line with parchment paper.
9. 9
   Melt butter in a microwave oven or small saucepan; reserve.
10. 10
    In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
11. 11
    In a large bowl, blend together reserved butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and orange zest.
12. 12
    Mix in eggs one at a time, then mashed bananas, apricots, and nuts.
13. 13
    Stir in flour mixture one-third at a time, stirring well after each addition.
14. 14
    Scrape dough into pan, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
15. 15
    Bake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
16. 16
    Place pan on a rack to cool.
17. 17
    To serve, remove from pan, and slice thinly.
18. 18
    Serve at room temperature.