Kumquat Date & Honey Bread

before you let your brain wonder to fruit cake or something let me just tell you this is a great breakfast bread. yes, it is dense. yes, it is packed with fruits and nuts. and yes it has that "grown-up" taste to it - whatever that may mean. kids probably wont gorge themselves on this treat, nor will husbands raised in age of little hostess oatmeal pie "breakfasts". but i adore it. the flavors are deep thanks to the cinnamon and dates, bright thanks to the citrus burst of the kumquats and earthy due to the oats and flax. it has a subtle, yet lasting presence of honey and the walnuts make this a completely substantial snack for pre/ post exercise .

this would be great for diabetics or hiking heath-foodies. yum!

KUMQUAT DATE & HONEY BREAD

1c kumquat puree (seeds removed, pulsed in a processor)

3/4c honey

2 tbs coconut oil (or whatever you have)

2 eggs

1 tbs vanilla

1 1/4c whole wheat flour

1 c oats (not instant - i used multi-grain)

1/4c flax seed meal

1 tbs baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

pinch salt

1c chopped walnuts

1/2c chopped pitted dates

*preheat oven to 350F, lightly grease a loaf pan

*sift together the flour, oats, flax, baking powder, soda & salt

*in a separate bowl beat together the kumquat puree, honey, oil, eggs and vanilla

*stir in the kumquat mixture into the dry mix. stir to completely combine.

*fold in walnuts and dates

*pour into prepared pan and cook 40-50 minutes until toothpick is clean