Orange, Nut and Date Bread

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, stir the yeast and water together and let stand 5 minutes.
2. 2
   Whisk in the honey, rum and butter.
3. 3
   In another bowl, combine the flour, nuts, orange zest, salt, dates and nutmeg.
4. 4
   Stir half of the flour mixture into the yeast mixture until smooth.
5. 5
   Stir in the remaining flour mixture.
6. 6
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
7. 7
   Place in a buttered bowl, cover with a towel and set aside to rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 2 hours.
8. 8
   Punch the dough down.
9. 9
   Butter a baking sheet.
10. 10
    Shape the dough into a loaf and place on the baking sheet.
11. 11
    Cover with a towel and set aside in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/4 hours.
12. 12
    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
13. 13
    Bake for 10 minutes.
14. 14
    Lower the temperature to 350 degrees.
15. 15
    Bake until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, about 40 minutes longer.
16. 16
    Set on a rack to cool before slicing.