Date and Walnut Loaf with Orange Glaze Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest

Special equipment needed:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Zester

Step-by-step instructions:
a. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
b. In a bowl, pour boiling water over the chopped dates and let it sit for 10 minutes.
c. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
d. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until well combined.
e. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
f. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture, until everything is well combined.
g. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
h. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
i. While the loaf is baking, make the orange glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
j. Once the loaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
k. Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
1 slice

Nutritional information:
Calories: 270
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 190mg
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dates: You can substitute raisins or dried figs for the dates.
- Walnuts: You can use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
- Orange juice and zest: You can use lemon juice and zest or lime juice and zest instead of orange.

Variations:
- Chocolate chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Spices: Add 1 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Glaze: Use lemon or lime juice instead of orange for a different citrus flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chop the dates and walnuts into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Don't overmix the batter or the loaf will be tough.
- Let the loaf cool completely before adding the glaze or it will melt and become runny.

Storage instructions:
Store the Date and Walnut Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the loaf, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Slice the loaf and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle the orange glaze over the top and sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts or orange zest over the top of the glazed loaf.

Pairings:
Serve the Date and Walnut Loaf with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Suggested side dishes:
Pair the loaf with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad for a balanced snack or breakfast.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the loaf is browning too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking.
- If the loaf is not cooked through after the recommended baking time, cover it with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to properly store the loaf in an airtight container to prevent any contamination.

Food history:
Date and Walnut Loaf is a classic British tea-time treat that dates back to the early 20th century.

Flavor profiles:
The loaf has a sweet and nutty flavor from the dates and walnuts, with a tangy citrus kick from the orange glaze.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Date and Walnut Loaf as a snack or breakfast treat, or as part of a dessert spread.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Citrusy, Moist