Applesauce Date Nut Bread

Delicious served with cream cheese, plain, or with butter. wrap and store for 8 hours before slicing.

Mix the walnuts , dates , baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

Microwave the applesauce in a microswave safe bowl until heated through.

Add shortening to the applesauce and stir until melted.

Add applesauce mixture to walnut mixture and mix well.

Let stand , loosely covered , for 20 minutes.

Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl using a fork.

Add the vanilla , sugar and flour and mix well.

The mixture will be very dry.

Add the walnut mixture 1.

4 at a time , mixing gently after each addition.

Do not overbeat.

Spoon into a greased 9x5 loaf pan.

Bake at 350 for 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Wrap in foil and store for 8 to 12 hours before slicing.

walnuts, dates, baking soda, salt, applesauce, shortening, eggs, vanilla, sugar, flour