Apricot Almond Loaf

1 (15 ounce) can apricots, drained and rinsed

2 teaspoons almond extract

2 ½ tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon salt

¼ cup sugar

3 ½ cups bread flour

2 ½ tablespoons vital wheat gluten

1 (.25 ounce) envelope rapid rise yeast

⅔ cup slivered almonds

Place ingredients (except the almonds) in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select cycle; press Start.

If your machine has a Fruit setting, add the almonds at the signal, or about 5 minutes before the kneading cycle has finished.