Apricot Cheese Bread

INGREDIENTS
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
DOUGH:
1 cup dried apricots
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, flour and orange peel until smooth; set
aside.

2. Soak apricots in warm water for 15 minutes; drain well. Cut apricots into small pieces; set
aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.

4. In another bowl, beat the egg, orange juice, oil and water. Stir into the dry ingredients just
until moistened. Fold in pecans and apricots.

5. Spoon two-thirds of the batter into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Top with
cream cheese filling and remaining batter.

6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10
minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap and
refrigerate before slicing.