
A historical bread from Recipes from here and there (1900). Will keep a week.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
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Cream four tablespoons shortening
Add two cups brown or white sugar, two beaten eggs, three and one-half cups flour, one teaspoon salt, one cup chopped nuts, floured
Pour two cups boiling water over one package dates pitted and quartered
Add two teaspoons baking soda
Add to the above
Beat until smooth
Bake in two buttered bread pans fifty minutes in moderate oven, increasing heat last ten minutes
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Pouring boiling water over the dates with baking soda serves multiple purposes: it softens the dried fruit for better distribution, while the alkaline environment breaks down pectin and creates a darker color and deeper flavor. The baking soda also reacts immediately with acidic components in the brown sugar and dates, creating carbon dioxide for lift. Flouring the nuts prevents them from sinking during baking by increasing their surface friction with the batter.
This loaf actually improves with age and can be made up to 1 week ahead. The moisture from the dates continues to permeate the crumb, creating a more cohesive texture. Wrap cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Store completely cooled loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature. Slice and serve at room temperature, or toast slices lightly for enhanced flavor.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
This loaf actually improves with age and can be made up to 1 week ahead. The moisture from the dates continues to permeate the crumb, creating a more cohesive texture. Wrap cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Store completely cooled loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature. Slice and serve at room temperature, or toast slices lightly for enhanced flavor.