Grandma's Date Nut Bread Recipe

One of my Christmas favorites is my grandma’s date nut bread.  (She’s also responsible for that delicious cranberry recipe I shared earlier.)  Although Grandma’s recipe calls for sugar, you can also substitute agave.  If you’re not familiar with agave, it’s much the consistency and color of honey, and it has a lower glycemic index than sugar.  Since it tastes sweet with no additional flavors, it’s a great substitute and requires only 3/4 cups agave to 1 cup of sugar.  

Grandma’s Date Nut Bread

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup boiling water

1 cup cut-up dates

2 Tbs. soft butter

1 cup sugar (or 3/4 cups agave)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

1 1/3 cups flour

3/4 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

Pour soda and boiling water over chopped dates.  Set aside.  Cream butter and sugar.  Add vanilla and eggs.  Beat well.  Add flour and mix.  Pour in date mixture (and nuts if using).  Bake in a 9 x 5 greased loaf pan at 350º for 45 – 55 minutes.