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

 * 1) Place the dates, baking soda, salt, and carob powder in a mixing bowl.
 * 2) Toss lightly with a fork.
 * 3) Add the shortening and boiling water, but do not stir.
 * 4) Let stand 20 minutes.
 * 5) Preheat the oven to 350°F.
 * 6) Combine the eggs and orange blossom water or vanilla.
 * 7) Add the honey and flour, stirring until well blended.
 * 8) Add the date mixture, stirring just to blend.
 * 9) Pour into a well-greased 9- by 5-inch loaf pan.
 * 10) Bake 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
 * 11) Let cool before removing from pan.
 * 12) 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.