This dense, sweet bread is a wonderful addition to any goody tray, and great for breakfast, too! Serve with strawberry cream cheese for a real treat.
3/4 C. boiling water
1 C. sliced dates
1 C. chocolate chips
1/4 C. butter
1 egg
3/4 C. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 C. flour
1 C. chopped nuts
1/3 C. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
Preheat the oven to 350º. Combine the water and dates and set aside. Melt the chocolate chips and butter, and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the egg, milk and vanilla, then stir in the chocolate, the date mixture, and the remaining ingredients.
Pour the batter into a 9×5” loaf pan that’s been sprayed or greased. Bake for about an hour (start checking for doneness in the center after 45 minutes). When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, take the bread from the oven. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing it to cool completely.