Date Nut Bread

I have been making this Date Nut Bread recipe for as long as I can remember.  It is always a special treat to have at Christmas time.  It is also good for breakfast or with a cup of tea in the afternoon. This bread freezes well, so you can make several loaves and have it any time.

1 1/2 cups dates, cut into large pieces

2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cups boiling water

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

2 TBS butter

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Grease the sides and bottom of a 9x5x3 loaf pan with cooking spray or shortening (or butter) then dust the inside with flour, tap out the excess flour.

Place dates and baking soda in a bowl. Toss to combine.  Pour boiling water over the dates.  Set aside.

Combine the flour, salt and walnuts together.  Set aside.

Blend together the butter and brown sugar. Add the vanilla and the beaten eggs.  Beat well.

Add the dry ingredients, alternately with the date mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.  Blend well after each addition.

Pour batter into a well-greased 9x5x3 loaf pan.

Bake at 350F degrees for 60 to 65 minutes.  Let cool completely before slicing.

Eileen