Date & Walnut Loaf

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180C.

Step 2: Butter or spray a loaf tin and set aside.

Step 3: Using a small bowl, pour the boiling water over the baking soda to dissolve it.

Step 4: Using a separate bowl ~ place the dates in a mixing bowl and pour the water/soda mixture over them; allow date mix to cool.

Step 5: In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt & set aside

Step 6: In a different bowl, beat the egg with an electric mixer, and then slowly add the brown sugar, beating well after each addition.

Step 7: Add the egg & brown sugar mixture to the cooled date mixture, walnuts and vanilla and gently mix in well; stir in the dry ingredients, then the melted butter and again mix well.

Step 8: Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake in the oven for about 55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the loaf comes out clean.

Step 9: Let loaf cool for 10 minutes before removing from the tin, then cool completely on a rack.