Instructions: In a large mixing bowl stir together 1-1/2 cups of the flour and the yeast. In a saucepan heat apricot nectar, margarine or butter, sugar, and salt till warm (120* to 130*), stirring constantly. Add to flour mixture along with eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.

Reserve 4 or 5 dried apricots; snip remaining apricots. Using a spoon, stir the snipped apricots and pecans into the dough. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough (3 to 5 minutes total).Shape into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once. Cover; let rise till double (about 1-1/2 hours).

Punch dough down. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough into 20 portions; shape into smooth balls. Arrange balls 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise till almost double (30 to 45 minutes).

Brush dough with egg white. Bake in a 350* oven for 12 to 15 minutes or till golden. Cool on wire racks. Snip reserved apricots into 40 thin slivers. Using a spoon, top each bun with an X of Apricot Icing; decorate each X with 2 apricot slivers.

Makes 20 rolls.

Apricot Icing: Combine 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and enough apricot nectar (about 1 tablespoon) to make an icing of drizzling consistency.

Make-Ahead Tip: Bake rolls as directed; cool thoroughly. Do not add Apricot Icing. Place in a freezer container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw, cov ered, over night in the refrigerator. Top with Apricot Icing and apricots.

NOTES : These Easter rolls get their name from the cross thats scored or frosted on top. Though they traditionally contain currants, raisins, or candied fruit, this version has pecans and dried apricots.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.