Furnace Creek Resort Death Valley Date Nut Bread

Source: Furnace Creek Resort, Death Valley, California, as published in American Country Inn and Bed and Breakfast Cookbook by Kitty and Lucian Maynard

2 cups dates
1 1/2 cups very hot water
4 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup butter
2 teaspoons salt
3 teaspoons baking soda

In bowl, cover chopped dates with hot water; let stand 1 hour. In bowl, blend flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, chopped walnuts, softened butter, salt and baking soda.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Add dates and water; mix until dates are evenly distributed and dry ingredients are moistened; do not overmix. Pour into 2 loaf pans and bake for about 1 hour. A wooden pick or skewer inserted in center should come out clean.

Makes 2 two-pound loaves.