Place apricots in food processor. Pour the cup of boiling water over them. Wait about 10 minutes then pulse 3 or 4 times to chop them into large pieces.
Stir together the following ingredients then add to apricots and water in the food processor:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
Again pulse 1 or 2 times then add the remaining ingredients:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. double-acting baking powder
1 cup chopped nuts (macadamias, pistachios, pecans or walnuts)
Pulse 3 or 4 times to mix well. Butter & flour two 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans. Divide the batter into two equal parts and pour into pans. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for about 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean and the bread is golden brown remove to rack to cool.