Date Bread

Date Bread. This bread is moist, delicious with the perfect blend of spices. It is perfect for breakfast, that mid-day snack,  or anytime you just want something sweet. You can use less sugar or even white sugar or honey.  If using honey, use about 3/4 c. honey.

Ingredients

2 1.2 c,  dates, finely cut
4 Tbs. butter
1 1/4 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. soda
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 c. hot coffee or boiling water
1 egg
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 3/4 c. flour
1 1/2 c. pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped (Optional)
1 Tbs. milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan

In a large bowl, combines dates, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Pour the hot coffee or boiling water over the mixture and stir to combine. Set  aside for about 15 minutes to cool. 

When the mixture is cool, beat in the egg and vanilla.

Stir in the salt, baking powder and flour. Beat gently until the mixture is smooth. 

Stir in the pecans or walnuts. 

Pour the batter into a the prepared loaf pan. Tap the pan on the countertop to eliminate air bubbles. 

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Sometimes, depending on the day this bread can take up to 75 minutes to bake.

Cool for 10 minutes then remove the bread from the pan. Finish cooling the bread on a wire rack. 

Cut the bread after it is completely cooled. Place in an airtight container or bag. Keeps at room temperature for about a week.  Freezes wonderfully for longer storage.