Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  8             ounces  dates -- finely chopped
  1 3/4           cups  unbleached flour -- sifted
  1           teaspoon  baking soda
  1              large  egg -- well beaten
  1                cup  walnuts -- chopped
     3/4           cup  water -- boiling
     1/4      teaspoon  salt
     1/2           cup  sugar -- granulated
  4             ounces  cheddar -- shredded
  2        tablespoons  butter

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place the dates and butter in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the date mixture, egg, cheddar and nuts. Mix until just blended and spoon the mixture into a well greased 9 X 5-inch loaf pan. Let stand for 20 minutes. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out onto a rack and cool before slicing. NOTE: The flavor improves is the bread stands overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information:

653 Calories (kcal); 24g Total Fat; (30% calories from fat); 14g Protein; 105g Carbohydrate; 16mg Cholesterol; 510mg Sodium