Date Nut Bread

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Cut into quarters (sixths if large) and place in a medium bowl: 1 ½ cups packed pitted dates

2. Step 2.

   Stir in: 1 cup (235g) boiling water; 1 teaspoon baking soda

3. Step 3.

   Let stand until the mixture is lukewarm, about 20 minutes. Whisk together thoroughly in a medium bowl: 1 ⅔ cups (210g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder

4. Step 4.

   Whisk together in a large bowl: 2 large eggs; 1 cup packed (230g) brown sugar; ¼ cup (50g) vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla

5. Step 5.

   Stir in the cooled date mixture. Stir in the flour mixture just until blended. Fold in: 2 cups coarsely chopped toasted walnuts

6. Step 6.

   Scrape the batter into the pan(s) and spread evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes for small loaves, 55 to 65 minutes for the large loaf. Let cool in the pan(s) on a rack for 10 minutes, then turn out onto the rack to cool completely.