This is the closest recipe I’ve found to make me think of  my childhood.

My Mom used to make date-nut and cream cheese sandwiches for a special treat.

I have never been able to duplicate the dense bread but this is a close second.

It is the King Arthur Flour recipe and it is so easy.

2 cups chopped dates

4 tablespoons softened butter

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup hot coffee

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon vodka, brandy or amaretto

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 3/4 cups all purpose unbleached King Arthur flour

1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Lightly grease a 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 loaf pan

Mix dates, butter, baking soda, salt and brown sugar together.

Pour in the hot coffee and mix to combine.

Let cool for 15 minutes

Add the egg, vanilla, liquor, baking powder and flour.

Beat till smooth.

Stir in the walnuts

Pour the batter in the pan and gently tap the pan to settle the batter.

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, tent the loaf gently with foil after 30 minutes to prevent over browning.

Remove the bread from the oven and test with a toothpick to see if the center is clean.

After ten minutes, turn the bread out onto a cooling rack

Cool completely before slicing

Wrap airtight and store at room temperature or freeze.

I slice it thin and put cream cheese on each side and make a fabulous sandwich.

This is great for a brunch, lunch or a very fattening treat.

These sandwiches are irrestible.

I will regret finding this recipe in June when I look like a big fat sandwich on the beach.

But I to am irrestible. Ha Ha.

Published by cmangoff

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