Yield: 1 loaf.
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
½ teaspoon orange extract
1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 tablespoon orange zest
Cream cheese (optional)
Orange marmalade (optional)
In a bowl, combine the dates, orange extract, boiling water, and butter. Cover and let cool.
Grease a loaf pan. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat sugar and egg together, and add to dates, alternating with the sifted ingredients.
Dredge pecans and orange zest in a small amount of flour, and stir into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and let rise for 20 minutes.
While batter is rising, preheat oven to 325°. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Serve with cream cheese and orange marmalade, if desired.
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