Carob Date Loaf

Ingredients
1 cup pitted dates, cut up 1-1/2 t. baking soda 1/2 t. salt 1/4 cup carob powder 3 T. safflower shortening 3/4 cup, plus 1 T., boiling water 1 t. orange blossom water or vanilla extract 3/4 cup honey (warmed to pouring consistency) 1-1/4 cups whole wheat flour

Directions
1) Place the dates, baking soda, salt, and carob powder in a mixing bowl. Toss lightly with a fork. Add the shortening and boiling water, but do not stir. Let stand 20 minutes.

2) Preheat the oven to 350°.

3) Combine the eggs and orange blossom water or vanilla. Add the honey and flour, stirring until well blended. Add the date mixture, stirring just to blend. Pour into a well-greased 9- by 5-inch loaf pan. Bake 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool before removing from pan. Serve plain or top each slice with plain yogurt sweetened with a little honey.

VARIATION:
 * Replace carob powder with 3/4 cup chopped walnuts. Decrease the amount of boiling water by 1 tablespoon and replace honey with 1 cup sugar.