Date Loafs

Date Loaf

Soak, set aside and stir occasionally:
2 cups coarsely chopped dates (I have done this with figs, apricots or other dried fruits or a mix).
1/3 cup orange liqueur such as Cointreau, Triple Sec or orange juice

Beat:
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup light brown sugar

Add:
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon grated orange zest

Mix together and add to above mixed ingredients alternately w/OJ only until combined:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 cup orange juice

Stir in:
Above date mixture and 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Butter the bottom of an 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment or wax paper, then butter and flour the pan. Bake in 350 oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Serve this bread with an orange cream cheese spread, which you can make by creaming 8 oz of room temperature cream cheese with 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons orange zest.