Apricot Bread (from Gramma Julia)

Makes 4 medium loaves

1 1/2 C dried apricots
Juice of 3 oranges (ground peel of 1 orange)
Water boiling enough to make 2 C liquid
1 1/2 C raisins
2 C sugar
5 1/2 T melted shortening
1 T vanilla
3 eggs, beaten
6 C flour
1 t salt
1 T soda
2 T baking powder
1 1/2 C chopped nuts

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

Pour into greased/floured pans. Bake at 350º for 50 minutes.