Sweet Apricot Kugel

My family has a few kugel recipes that have been passed down through the generations. I love them, but I wanted to try something new. This kugel was fruity, sweet, and really good! And you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy kugel...who can resist cinnamon noodles?

If you've never heard of kugel, check out this info from Wikipedia. It's basically a baked pudding or casserole that's usually made with egg noodles or potatoes. It's noodle kugel is almost always sweet, but still served with the meal rather than a dessert.

Adapted from here
Ingredients:
• 12 oz. package of egg noodles
• 1 cup apricot jelly
• 1 cup orange juice
• 7 egg whites
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2/3 cup chopped dried apricot

Topping:
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and let cool.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan or spray with a non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix jelly, orange juice, egg whites, vanilla and almond extract. Beat with a wisk until blended.

Stir in chopped apricot. Add cooled noodles and mix well.

Spoon mixture evenly into baking pan.

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the kugel.

Cover tightly and bake 15 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake 20 minutes more until set.

Some people like kugel warm and some people like it cold. Serve your favorite way!