Grandma Julia's Apricot Bread

(Makes 4 medium loaves)

1.5 C dried apricots
Juice of 3 oranges
ground peel of 1 orange
Boiling water
1.5 C raisins
3 C sugar
5.5 T melted shortening (butter)
1 T vanilla
3 eggs, beaten
6 C flour
1 t salt
1 T soda
2 T baking powder
1.5 chopped nuts

Soak apricots in boiling water for 1/2 hour. Squeeze juice of oranges and add enough boiling water to make 2 C. Grind rind of 1 orange with raisins. Add juice. Stir in sugar and beaten eggs. Add vanilla, then stir in sifted dry ingredients.

Pour into greased pans which have been lightly floured.

Bake for 50 minutes at 350º