Date and Pecan Loaf

I love dates and pecans, always a good combination for me. I decided to make something for this coming week's breakfast. This is delicious served warm and smeared with butter.

60gm butter
1 cup boiling water
1 cup finely chopped dried dates
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 cup firmly packed soft brown sugar
2 cups self raising flour
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 egg, lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 160C for fan-force or 180C for a convention oven. Line a loaf pan with baking paper.
2. Stir the butter and the water in a medium saucepan over low heat, until butter has melted. Remove from heat, stir in the dates and soda, followed by the remaining ingredients. 
3. Pour mixture into the prepared pan.
4. Bake the loaf for about 40-45 mins.  Stand the baked loaf in the pan for 5 mins then place on wire rack to cool. 
5. Serve warm or toasted with butter smeared on top.