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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 65 Minutes |
Ready In: 85 Minutes Servings: 16 |
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Packed with dates and nuts, this moist, nicely sweet bread is excellent on its own and even better topped with the chunky cream cheese spread. We enjoy it during the holiday season and for after-school and late-night snacks. Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups chopped dates |
1-1/2 cups boiling water |
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda |
1-3/4 cups king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour |
1/4 teaspoon each ground cloves, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg |
2 tablespoons butter, softened |
1-1/4 cups sugar |
1 egg, lightly beaten |
2 teaspoons vanilla extract |
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans |
spread: |
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened |
2 tablespoons chopped dates |
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped pecans |
1 tablespoon 2% milk |
Directions:
1. Place dates in a large bowl. Combine boiling water and baking soda; pour over dates. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg; set aside.
2. In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with date mixture. Stir in pecans.
3. Pour into a greased and floured 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 65-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack to cool completely.
4. In a small bowl, combine spread ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve with bread. Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices with 1/2 cup spread).
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