I followed the recipe exactly as is, and it was FABULOUS. Rich and chocolatey!!

This loaf uses a very unfamiliar preparation technique so I was concerned about my chances of success with it. It turned out just ok. My main criticism would be that isn't as moist as some loaves I've made and the top turns out flat and a little crunchy rather than rounded and moist the way a lot of fruit breads do. It is good and chocolatey. I tasted it as soon as it was completely cooled and it was pretty good, but even with tight wrapping it seemed dry the next day. The only modification I made to the recipe was to substitute dried montmorency cherries for the dates... I was actually looking for a recipe to use the cherries up when I came across this one. I also added 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. I still have no clue why the fruit is soaked with baking soda or why you leave it to stand 20 minutes before baking and I really don't know if those steps could be modified to the better.

Easy, moist, not too sweet, the kids loved it and didn't even notice the dates. I left the nuts out.

I made this as a thank you to an office mate. They loved it. He said at Thanksgiving it was the first thing to be eaten. I am making it for all of my Christmas baskets.