Apricot Nectar Cookies

   2 3/4  cups          All-purpose flour
   1      large         Egg
   1      teaspoon      Baking Soda
     1/4  cup           Apricot Nectar
     3/4  cup           White sugar
     1/2  cup           Apricot preserves
     1/4  cup           Dark brown sugar -- packed
     3/4  cup           Dried apricots -- chopped
   1      cup           Salted butter -- softened

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking soda.  Mix well with a wire wisk and set aside.

 3. In a large bowl, blend sugars with an electric mixer at medium speed.
Add butter and mix to form a grainy paste.  Scrape down sides of bowl. Then add egg, apricot nectar and apricot preserves; beat at medium speed until smooth.

 4. Add the flour mixture and apricots, and blend on low just until combined.  Do not overmix.

 5. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets, 1 1/2 inches apart.  Bake for *22* to 24 minutes, or just unil cookies begin to brown at bottom edges.

 6.Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to a clool, flat surface with a spatula.