Carob Date Loaf

== Ingredients ==
* 1 cup pitted dates, cut up
* 1½ tsp baking soda
* ½ tsp salt
* ¼ cup carob powder
* 3 tbsp safflower shortening
* ¾ cup + 1 tbsp, boiling water
* 1 tsp orange blossom water or vanilla extract
* ¾ cup honey (warmed to pouring consistency)
* 1¼ cups whole wheat flour
== Directions ==
# Place the dates, baking soda, salt, and carob powder in a mixing bowl.
# Toss lightly with a fork.
# Add the shortening and boiling water, but do not stir.
# Let stand 20 minutes.
# Preheat the oven to 350°F.
# Combine the eggs and orange blossom water or vanilla.
# Add the honey and flour, stirring until well blended.
# Add the date mixture, stirring just to blend.
# Pour into a well-greased 9- by 5-inch loaf pan.
# Bake 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
# Let cool before removing from pan.
# Serve plain or top each slice with plain yogurt sweetened with a little honey.
== Variation ==
Replace carob powder with ¾ cup chopped walnuts. Decrease the amount of boiling water by 1 tablespoon and replace honey with 1 cup sugar.
Category:Dessert loaf Recipes