Moist & Delicious Date and Walnut LoafEgg

1

Pit the dates by splitting them in half and removing the seeds.

2

Chop them into bite-sized pieces, roughly the size of miniature chocolate chips.

3

Place the chopped dates in a large bowl and pour the dark rum over them.

4

Let them soak for a few minutes (or overnight for a stronger flavor).

5

Pour the boiling water over the soaked dates, then stir in the baking soda.

6

Mix until well combined and let the mixture sit; it will naturally thicken.

7

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

8

Add the sugar, the large egg, and the vanilla extract to the date mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

9

Fold in the roughly chopped walnuts until they are well dispersed throughout the mixture.

10

Gently fold the flour mixture into the date mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

11

Pour in the melted butter and stir just enough to combine everything into a thick, fragrant batter.

12

Grease a loaf tin or line it with a loaf liner/baking paper. Pour the batter into the tin.

13

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 50 to 55 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few damp crumbs are fine).

14

Allow the loaf to cool completely in the tin before slicing.

15

While it is delicious warm, the flavor is even more pronounced if enjoyed the next day.