Ingredients

BREAD:2 large eggs2 tablespoons butter3/4 cup sugar1 small unpeeled orange, cut into pieces and seeded1 cup pitted chopped dates1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon salt1 cup chopped pecansSAUCE:1/2 cup orange juice1/2 cup sugar

Preparation

For bread, place eggs, butter, sugar, orange pieces and dates in blender or food processor. Cover and process with on/off motions until finely chopped. Remove to a large bowl.

In separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt; add to orange mixture and mix until well-combined. Stir in pecans. Pour batter into greased 9x5-in. loaf pan.

Bake at 325° for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If bread begins to darken, cover with foil during last few minutes of baking.

Meanwhile, for sauce, heat orange juice and sugar until sugar has dissolved. When bread comes out of the oven, poke holes with a toothpick and slowly pour the sauce over top. Let stand for 15 minutes before removing from pan. Cool on a wire rack.