8 oz Dates; Finely Chopped
2 tb Butter
3/4 c  Water; Boiling
1 3/4 c  Unbleached Flour; Sifted
1/4 ts Salt
1 ts Baking Soda
1/2 c  Sugar; Granulated
1    Egg; Lg, Well Beaten
4 oz Cheddar Md, Shredded
1 c  Walnuts; Chopped

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.