Feeling just as excited as a kid on Christmas morning, I could not wait for a slice of this sweet quick bread for breakfast on this fine fall morning.  This delectable Date & Walnut Bread hails from the final issue (November 2009) of the magnificent Gourmet magazine.  One of the best magazines ever published in my opinion, receiving this final issue a few years ago was truly a sad moment.  Gourmet was a monthly treasure trove of intriguing recipes, food writing, and to top it all off, each issue had a cover photo that would make your jaw drop.

This final November issue was no exception.  The cover a perfectly browned Thanksgiving turkey surrounded by apples and fresh kale leaves—both elegant and tasty on the eyes.  I have saved this final issue and each fall, I pull it out and test a new recipe from its collection.  This year I decided on this Walnut Date Bread which is a hearty, dairy-free bread studded with buttery walnuts and chopped dried dates.  The dates add a certain chewiness and perfect sweetness to the bread and the walnuts that certain crunchiness that we all love.  They suggest you serve this bread with a touch of cream cheese for a luxurious finish; I second that note and think a cup of coffee is a must as well.

(For this recipe, click on the following link:

http://www.sassydining.com/2009/10/walnut-date-bread.html)

Tagged: breakfast, dates, Gourmet magazine, November, quick bread, walnut date bread, walnuts