Date and Nut Bread -And Broadway Basketeers Dried Fruit and Nut Gift Tray Review

A few years ago I started a label called 'new food to me' for things I've never had before. Believe it or not, dates were on that list. But I can cross them off now that Broadway Basketeers sent me a generous dried fruit and nut tray for review. I used the dates to make Bloggy Buddy Kitty's Date and Nut Bread. It's a hearty and moist loaf cake that's perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. And it freezes beautifully, so even if you have a smaller household, you can cover it with plastic wrap and enjoy a slice as desired. Don't hesitate to give this quick bread a try folks, I think you'll like it!

While I'd be thrilled to receive one of these beautiful Dried Fruit and Nut Gift Trays any time of year, I think they are especially nice during winter, and there's a lot of winter left folks... Dried fruit and nuts are perfect for nibbling (how about a healthier treat for the next big game:@) They can also be used in baking and dried apricots are great for making an easy jam. I also like that they aren't quickly perishable, simply store in an air tight container and these goodies will stay fresh for months.

What to do with all that yummy fruit? Besides munching of course... 

I'm here to help ya folks!

1. It would all be good in oatmeal, especially the apples and peaches. 
2. Dried Apricot Jam
3. Brie Dip with Apricot Topping
4. Bread Machine Panettone-I used this recipe with the dried peaches-boy that's good!
5. Date and Nut Bread/Cake
6. Oatmeal Cookies, exchange the Raisinettes for chopped apple, apricot, prunes, peaches or cranberries
7. Bread Pudding
8. Bacon Wrapped Apricots Appetizer
9. White Chocolate and Apple Popcorn

Date and Nut Bread-from Kitty's Kozy Kitchen
~printable version~
3/4 C chopped nuts, either walnuts or pecans-I used walnuts
8 oz pitted, whole dates, chopped-mine were roughly chopped
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 C shortening-can sub butter, Kitty uses butter flavored shortening, I used regular shortening
3/4 C boiling water
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 C sugar
1 1/2 C A/P flour, sifted

1. Combine nuts, dates, baking soda and salt to mixing bowl. 
2. Add shortening and boiling water, let sit for 15 minutes, stir.
3. In separate bowl, beat eggs slightly and stir in vanilla. Stir in sugar and flour.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry, stir to combine but don't over mix.
5. Pour batter into greased 9x5 loaf pan.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean. 
7. Cool in pan for 15 minutes before removing from baking dish onto rack.

I would like to thank Kitty for sharing a favorite family recipe and Broadway Basketeers for gifting me this dried fruit and nut tray.

My honest opinion is, it's a thoughtful gift, and a very tasty one too:@)

So why not pour a cuppa and stop by their site HERE to see the great variety of items offered,
everything from gift towers to fresh fruit to wine! 

Eat well, gift generously, and have a happy day:@)

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