This was a delightful departure from typical quick breads. Moist, dense, and delicious toasted with a bit of Earth balance.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dates
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 cup boiling water
• 3 tbsp Earth Balance
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 2 egg well beaten
• 1/2-3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Yield: 1 loaf in a 9×5” pan

Preheat oven to 350^o.

First prepare the date mixture by cooking the dates, baking soda, water and Earth balance over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook until thick. Set aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, whisk the brown sugar and flour in the bowl of a stand mixer. Alternating with the date mixture, add the eggs one at a time. Fold in the chopped nuts (I used pecans).

Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.