1 c. water
1 c. pitted dates, packed
1/2 c. molasses
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. whole wheat flour

Bring water to a boil. Add dates to boiling water and stir over low heat for about 1 minute to "dissolve" dates. Remove from heat; add molasses, butter, salt and soda (mixture will foam). Let cool at least 20 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8"x4"x2" loaf pan. Add flour to date mixture and stir until well mixed. Scrape mixture into prepared pan and smooth down. Bake 60 minutes or until brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Place pan on wire rack to cool. Remove cooled loaf from pan, wrap in plastic bag and store at least 24 hours at room temperature before slicing. Serve with cream cheese.