For 1 loaf you will need:

1 c. pitted prunes
1/4 c. dry sherry
1/2 c. butter, room temperature
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp. grated lemon rind
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. milk
1 c. coarsely chopped walnuts

Cut prunes into about 1/4-inch pieces. Place into a small bowl and pour sherry over. Set aside. Cream butter with the sugar until light. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Stir in lemon rind, baking powder and salt. Mix well.

Add flour and milk alternately, mixing just until flour is moistened. Fold in the prunes and walnuts. Turn into a well-greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch bread loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool 5 minutes in the pan. Turn out onto rack to cool completely.

Walnuts, lemon and prunes soaked in sherry combine beautifully to flavor this nut bread. For extra convenience, purchase prunes already pitted when you plan to bake to shorten preparation time.

Preparation time: 15 minutes. Oven temperature: 350 degrees. Baking time: about 1 hour.