Manic Monday - Date

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup boiling water
8 ounces chopped dates
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
2 1/4 cups flour, stir before measuring
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

PREPARATION:
Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Pour boiling water over dates in a medium bowl; add butter and set aside. With mixer, beat sugars and egg until light. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the sugar mixture, alternating with the date and water mixture. Stir in chopped nuts. Bake at 325° for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

The first thing that came to my mind for this week's word was "Date Shakes." We used to travel to Palm Springs when I was a kid, and the Coachella Valley is known for it's date trees (or used to be before the onslaught of buildings and housing developments!). I remember sitting in the back seat, sweltering (in the days before A/C normally came in cars) passing all of those signs beckoning with promises of the "Best Date Shakes in the World." To me, they represented relief from the heat, and who could help but love a milkshake!

Date Nut Bread is easy to make and is a change from the more familiar Banana Nut Bread. Make and enjoy...

Our host, Morgen, from "It's a Blog-Eat-Blog World," would like you to join in on the fun. Check out his "Mo-velous website~~~