In a medium saucepan, bring the water and apricots to a boil and then simmer until very soft, for at least 10 minutes
Add the butter, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, and orange rind and stir well until the butter melts. Remove the mixture from the heat
Preheat oven to 350F
Sift together the flours, salt, soda, and baking powder
Fold the dry ingredients into the apricot mixture. Add the chopped almonds and blend well
Spread the batter evenly into an oiled medium loaf pan. Bake for one hour and 15 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean
Allow the bread to cool for several minutes before removing it from the pan
TIPS:
This bread is moist and flavorful enough to enjoy plain, but it is also delicious with sweet butter or cream cheese and a slightly tart fruit marmalade or apricot jam.
