Date and Walnut Loaf ==================== Adapted from Kate in the Kitchen 2 1/2 cups chopped dates 1/4 cup butter 1 cups boiling water 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts . Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees F). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. (or three small loaf pans. Combine the dates, baking soda and butter in a large bowl. Pour boiling water over them, stir and let stand until cool. When the dates have cooled, stir in brown sugar, egg, sour cream and vanilla. Stir until well blended. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the date mixture until just blended. Do not over mix. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using mini loaf pans reduce baking time. OPTIONAL - MY CHANGES Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the mix Orange Zest Bake in an 8 or 9 inch square cake pan (Springform) Substitute Roasted Macadamia Nuts Glaze warm cake with: 1/2 stick butter 1/8 cup of honey or agave syrup 1 tablespoon water |