TWD: Date-Nut Loaf

Although I was lucky to be born and raised in the great, date-producing state of California, I have no memories whatsoever of eating a date. I mean, I'm sure I've had them before. I've just never given them much thought, and I've certainly never baked with them - until today, that is.

On a not entirely unrelated note, have I ever mentioned that I am very easily distracted by reading articles about random things on Wikipedia? Here, go read about dates. It's fascinating. See you in twenty minutes.

So, anyway. Mary (real-life friend) of Popsicles and Sandy Feet picked the Date-Nut Loaf for today's installment of Tuesdays with Dorie. I was trying to think of a nice way to tell her that I had no real interest in date-nut anything - I was this close to subbing in chocolate chips or apricots. Then I saw the package of chopped dates at the supermarket, and I think that was the baking gods' way of telling me to just try it, it wouldn't kill me. And they were right! The dates add an almost imperceptible sweetness that doesn't scream "DATE!" - they just blend in with the brown sugar batter and walnuts to create a dense, flavorful quick bread.

Although I think this bread would work with just about any add-in, I'm glad I tried the dates. I made three miniature loaves and will be freezing one for future date-nut loaf cravings. Thanks, Mary - once again, I've made something I wouldn't have picked myself, but loved it!

Next week: Spike of Spike Bakes chose Sour Cream Chocolate Cake Cookies

Last week: Chocolate Biscotti