Date Walnut Loaf

This is the date loaf I've been making for years, originally found in a FiveRoses cookbook, I think. I like to spread a little butter on slices of it and have it with tea.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup boiling water
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1⁄2 cups  chopped dates
• 1 1⁄3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  large egg
• 3⁄4 cup  packed brown sugar
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄4 cup  melted butter, cooled to room temperature

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F; spray a loaf pan with nonstick baking spray like Pam, and set aside.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, pour boiling water over baking soda so that soda dissolves.
3. Place dates in a mixing bowl and pour water/soda mixture over dates; let cool.
4. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
5. In a different bowl, beat the egg with an electric mixer, then slowly add the brown sugar, beating well after each addition.
6. To the egg/sugar mixture, add cooled date mixture, toasted nuts and vanilla; mix well.
7. Stir in the dry ingredients.
8. Now, add the melted butter and mix well.
9. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for approximately 55 minutes, or until loaf tests done.
10. Let cool 10 minutes before removing from pan, then cool completely on a rack.