Orange-Date Loaves

Wonderful rich date flavour.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 4  cups all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 2  teaspoons  orange rind, finely shredded
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 3⁄4 cup  frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1⁄3 cup  cooking oil
• 1 (8 ounce) package dates, pitted, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup pecans or 1⁄2 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, orange peel, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another mixing bowl stir together eggs, 1/2 cup of the thawed orange juice concentrate, the oil, and 1-1/2 cups water.
3. Add to flour mixture. Stir by hand just until combined. Fold in dates and nuts.
4. Divide mixture evenly between two greased 8"x4"x2" loaf pans. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the centers comes out clean. (Or, divide mixture evenly among four 5-1/2"x3"x2" loaf pans and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until loaves test done.).
5. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; remove from pans.
6. Generously brush tops and sides of loaves with remaining orange juice concentrate. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.
7. Wrap and store overnight before slicing.