Date Loaf

 

"Company's Coming" is the title for 200 cookbooks published in Canada beginning in the 1980s by Jean Paré, a caterer. The series included Appetizers, Salads, Light Recipes, Pies, etc. I pared down my own collection of them several years ago, but hung on to a number of them. In "Muffins and More" there are a host of delicious recipes, this date loaf among them. It's a family favourite. I like to double the recipe and make one for immediate eating and another for the freezer. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. 

Date Loaf (makes one 9 x 5 x 3 loaf)

• 1 1/4 cups chopped dates 
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

   Combine the above ingredients. Stir and cool.

• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

In large bowl, beat egg lightly. Add sugar, salt, and vanilla. Beat to mix. Stir in cooled date mixture.

In separate bowl mix:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Add to date mixture. Stir to mix. Stir in:

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Pour into greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Let stand for 20 minutes, then bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes. Remove from pan.