Date and Walnut Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted and chopped (about 10 dates)
• 1 c. teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup olive oil (vegetable) or melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 c. tsp vanilla extract
• 1 c. teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 c. teaspoon ground ginger or cinnamon (optional)
• 1 3/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a loaf pan 9 x 5-inch (2 L) or lined with parchment paper.
2. Place dates in a bowl, sprinkle with baking soda and cover with hot water. Leave to cool to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes).
3. In another bowl, combine the egg, sugar, vanilla and oil. Stir in nuts and dates with water.
4. Sift flour with salt, spices and baking powder. Add and stir gently to mix first, then pour into the loaf pan.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Let stand for 10 minutes, remove from pan and cool on a rack.