GRANDMA’S DATE NUT BREAD

Whatever your memories of this venerable quick bread, here’s your chance to relive those happy days.

Serves: 10 to 12 slices

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus 1 teaspoon for greasing pan
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1¾ cups unbleached flour
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a loaf pan with butter.
3. Place the dates in a small bowl and sprinkle with the baking soda. Add the boiling water and let stand for 30 minutes.
4. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, egg and butter until smooth.
5. Add the salt, flour and nuts and mix on low until just blended.
6. Stir in the dates-soda-water mixture.
7. Pour into greased loaf pan.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes until tester inserted in bread’s center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool 10 minutes before turning out on a rack. Slice when cooled.

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