Date Nut Bread

Steps

• Dates: Put the chopped dates in a bowl with the baking soda, pour the boiling water over, and leave to stand until softened and cooled to warm.
  ⏱ Start 20 min timer

  Tip: Don't drain this. The soaking liquid is the batter's liquid, and it's carrying most of the dates' sugar.

• Prep: Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in a dry pan or a 175°C oven until fragrant, then chop. Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 9x5 pan.
  ⏱ Start 8 min timer
• Batter: Cream the butter and brown sugar, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
• Batter: Stir in the entire date mixture, soaking water and all — it will look thin and unpromising at this stage.
• Batter: Fold in the flour and salt just until combined, then the toasted walnuts.
• Bake: Bake until dark and a skewer comes out clean.
  ⏱ Start 55 min timer
• Cool: Cool in the pan 20 minutes, then turn out. This one is better the next day.
  ⏱ Start 20 min timer