Mark Thorson wrote:

> Any suggestions how to proceed further? What sort
> of machine could handle dried apricots, turning them
> into a paste? I could perhaps make the hazelnut butter
> in the Champion, then combine it with the apricots
> made using some other machine, if I knew what that
> machine was. Perhaps a meat grinder?


A blender. Add a few drops of water (or that hazelnut milk), enough to
cover the blades, and a handful of dried apricots. Process. Add a few
more drops of liquid. Keep a close eye on the amount of liquid to get
the smallest amount possible that will still allow the blender to work.
I've made pastes from dried fruits this way many times. If you don't
mind something a little wetter and smoother (better, in my opinion, but
I don't know what consistency you're shooting for), soak the apricots in
the liquid first or heat the apricots + liquid combination in a sauce pan.

--Lia