Sunday, February 10, 2013

Mrs R's Date & Nut Loaf


1 cup dates, chopped
3/4 cup boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp. butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
several whole walnuts to decorate

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Butter and flour an 8 x 4" loaf pan.  Set aside.  Bring the water to a boil.  Remove from heat, add dates and soda.  Allow to cool.  In a bowl beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.  Stir in flour and salt.   Add cooled date mixture.  Stir in chopped walnuts.  Don't over mix.  Spread in prepared loaf pan.  Smooth over and place whole walnut halves on top in a decorative manner.  Bake for 1 hour or until well risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Allow to sit in pan 5 minutes before tipping out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.  Store covered in an airtight container.  This tastes even better the next day.

Comments:  Years ago I found date nut bread in cans.  I loved them and could easily eat a whole can with cream cheese.  I haven't found them since and have never really given much thought to making my own.  That is until I spotted this recipe.  The recipe came from Marie Rayner @ Cook Eat Share and if you aren't a date nut bread lover, I have no doubt that you'll find many other dishes posted by this lady that will fit your taste buds.  But if you are, give this recipe a try.  It's easy and sooooo delicious.

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