Date Nut Bread – Black Walnut

4 tablespoons butter, in 6 chunks
1 cup pitted dates, coarsely chopped
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup sugar
¾ cup boiling water
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup black walnuts
½ teaspoon vanilla
1½ tablespoons rum

Pour water over butter, dates and sugars. Let sit 7 minutes. Stir well. When cool, add egg. Add dry ingredients, mixing 30 seconds. Add nuts, vanilla and rum. Pour into greased 9×5 pan. Bake at 350º for 45-50 minutes.