HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Hope you had a terrific night ringing in 2013!
I know, I know. I have posted 3 days in a row. Are you tired of me, yet? 😛
I had to make this Orange, Date and Nut Loaf, or as we call it, Turte. It’s for my dear friend, Lora, The Cake Duchess, and her bread-baby, #TwelveLoaves.
Lora started Twelve Loaves to inspire us all to start baking bread at home. Of course it’s easier to just stop at the store and get a loaf, but nothing tastes better than homemade. Nothing. I wish I could be like my Baba and start kneading that dough day in and day out, but I’m not. I would rather make macarons or brownies.
But quick breads are a different thing, entirely. I make them all the time.
I made this delicious Loaf for my baby’s first tooth. You see, in our culture everything is celebrated with food. Then again, that’s in every culture, right?
In this case, for a baby’s first tooth, the Mommy has to make a sweet bread called, Turte (Toor-teh). That Turte symbolizes The New Testament —a gift of God to humankind—with the symbolism of wheat. Others also believe that the Turte will bring good luck, strong teeth, and the baby will grow to be a nice, sweet individual. 😀
Interesting, isn’t it? I love it!
I hope you have a few minutes to whip up this sweet loaf; it takes about 10 minutes to prep, the rest is up to the oven.
In the meantime, scroll to the bottom of this post and visit all the talented #TwelveLoaves participants!
ENJOY!
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs , lightly beaten
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped dates
- ½ cup chopped , toasted walnuts
- Preheat oven to 375.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, orange juice, oil, and vanilla.
- With a large serving spoon, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Add in the dates and walnuts and continue to mix until well incorporated.
- Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray.
- Pour the mixture into the loaf pan and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before removing from pan.
- Cool on a wire rack.
WW SmartPoints: 12
Linda says
This bread looks amazing. I was going to make this afternoon, but I suddenly realized there is no eggs in this. Could this be a typo?
Sally - My Custard Pie says
Such a variety of good things in this loaf. Comforting cooking at its best.
Charlie Rioux says
This bread looks so good, I love the date & orange combo!! 🙂
Stacy says
What a precious and sweet tradition, Kate! And, of course, dates are nature’s candy. Just lovely! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Rossella says
Orange and date: I want to try that.
Your tradition for the baby’s first tooth is really amazing. I’ve never heard of it. So poetic.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
Those are the cutest bread molds. This bread sounds delicious. Happy New Year!
Emily says
Great looking loaf…thank you for posting! I’d love to eat more dates, and need more recipes like this one to get them into my diet.:-) thank you!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
This loaf look so good, Kate! I love oranges with dates!
Jen @ Savory Simple says
That is some fantastic looking bread!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Wow, I love the meaning behind this bread. . so lovely!!! And it looks fabulous too. . love it! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Holly says
What a wonderful tradition and one that they whole family can enjoy. Thanks for sharing the special occasion for which you baked this bread!
Ramona says
How sweet to make this for your baby’s first tooth! I remember those days so well… all the milestones. The orange and date nut loaves look perfect! Happy New Years Day 🙂
Kristie says
What a neat tradition and the bread looks delicious!
Deb @ knitstamatic says
What a delicious looking bread. I really like cultural significance of it too. Those connections are so important.
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
That looks yummy!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
I like traditions, and any bread with dates in it…! This is a wonderful recipe.
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
What a beautiful tradition!