PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Prepare to loaf pans by lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray and lining with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. In a sauce pan, over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup white sugar, the chopped apricots, raisins, and the water. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. In the meantime, cream together the butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1 cup sugar.
5. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition.
6. Add the cooled apricot and raisin mixture, including the liquid. Mix well.
7. Add the flour and baking powder. Mix well.
8. Fold in the cherries, peel, and walnuts.
9. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pans. Tap the pans on the counter top to ensure the cake batter has settled into the corners.