Pour 1 cup water into a small pot and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, stir in dates, soda, and butter.

Reduce heat, and simmer until dates are very soft, about 20 minutes.

Use a fork to mash date mixture into a paste. It does not need to be perfectly smooth. Set aside to cool.

Combine flour, baking powder and raisins in a separate bowl.

When dates have cooled, stir in beaten egg and ½ cup hot water.

Add flour to date mixture and stir until combined.

Pour into well-greased 6.5” x 4” x 2” loaf pan and bake at 325 degrees for 45 - 60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.

A standard-sized loaf pan can also be used, but will create a flat loaf. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes.