ORANGE DATE NUT BREAD

Monday our neighbor Jerry was busy again clearing our driveway after the weekend snow.  Although he says he actually has fun, hopefully this will be the last time he will have to do that this winter. I usually bake something and give him as our thank you. 


I had this recipe I found in my mother's recipe box that I have been wanting to make and decided this was the perfect time to do so. Mother had all of the ingredients listed on the card but was a little short with the directions.  So I had to improvise.  I love the combination of orange juice and dates in breads.  The loaf was still a little warm when I took it over to Jerry. 

ORANGE DATE NUT BREAD

2      cups flour
2      teaspoons baking powder
1/4   teaspoon salt
1/2   teaspoon baking soda
1/2   cup sugar
2      teaspoons grated orange peel
1/3   cup shortening
1       egg
1/2   cup nuts
1/2   cup buttermilk or milk
1/2   cup orange juice
1       cup dates, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray loaf pan(s) with cooking spray.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and sugar.

Add the orange peel.

Beat the egg. and add the shortening.

Whip with a whisk beat the shortening and egg til the shortening is small pea-size.

Add the nuts, (butter)milk, orange juice and dates.

Add the flour mixture and stir til combined.

Batter will be thick.

Divide evenly in two mini pans or one loaf pan.

Bake 40 minutes for mini loaves and up to an hour for the larger loaf.  Check doneness with a toothpick.

Cool for 10 minutes on wire rack.

Remove from pans and continue cooling.