Date-Apple Spelt Loaf

*Adapted from Alive, November 2013.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole pitted dates
• 2/3 cup of orange juice
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated organic apple with skin
• 3 large free-range eggs
• 3/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 cup spelt flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Grease a loaf pan (or could do 12 muffins). Simmer dates in orange juice until very tender. Stir in vanilla and puree to a smoth paste.

In bowl, beat date puree with apples, eggs and gradually beat in oil. In another bowl, stir flour with coconut, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Stir in apple mixture then fold in walnuts.

Place in loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. To test for doneness, insert toothpick into centre of pan; it should come out clean. Great for a snack or even for breakfast.