Date and Nut Bread

By amaliana

"Producer Cathy Pomponio, who has been responsible for many of the special series we've done over the years, is also considered our resident feminist. And even though she edited the first cookbook and this one, we weren't shocked to find out that she doesn't enjoy cooking. Growing up in an Italian family, she learned how to enjoy eating but somehow missed the fundamentals of cooking. But she can make this easy Date and Nut Bread, one of her mother Nellie's best recipes. It is great with cream cheese for breakfast or for dessert."

Ingredients

• 1 cup boiling water
• One 8-ounce package dates, cut up in small pieces
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• One 4-ounce stick of butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups sifted flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Preparation

Step 1

Pour boiling water over dates, then add baking soda.
Let stand 5 minutes.
Combine remaining ingredients and add date mixture.
Bake in a well-greased tube or loaf pan at 375F for 45 minutes.