Spicy Apricot Loaf

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the apricots, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended.
4. Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the apricot mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
5. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• The apricots in this loaf can be substituted with other dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries.
• The spices can be adjusted to taste, so feel free to add more or less depending on preference.
• This loaf tastes great served warm with a scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt.