Apricot and Almond Meringue Gateau

Having done so much baking, I found I had 4 egg whites left over, so I made this meringue gateau for a special tea on Friday as we had guests.
I made the meringue the day before, which was a good job because it took a bit of time to make the filling and the sauce. I used dried apricots as the recipe suggested, but I think I would have been better with fresh ones. I cooked them for 30 mins - 10 mins longer than suggested, but I couldn't get them smooth in the food processor so I had to sieve them.
The sauce was a nice touch, and this gateau went down very well. We gave it 9.0
I do wonder if you could use tinned apricots? Might try this if I make it again.