Fig, Date, and Walnut Quick Bread

• low-fat buttermilk↗3⁄4 cup
• finely grated lemon rind1⁄2 teaspoon
• ground nutmeg↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• ground cloves↗1⁄8 teaspoon
• chopped dried fig2⁄3 cup
• chopped pitted dates1⁄3 cup
• packed brown sugar1⁄2 cup
• canola oil↗2 tablespoons
• large eggs↗2
• whole wheat flour↗3⁄4 cup
• all-purpose flour↗3⁄4 cup
• baking soda↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• salt↗1⁄8 teaspoon
• cooking spray
• chopped walnuts1⁄3 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°.

2. 2

   Heat first 4 ingredients in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat just until bubbles begin to form around edge (do not boil).

3. 3

   Remove from heat; stir in figs and dates.

4. 4

   Let stand 20 minutes or until fruit softens.

5. 5

   Combine sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl; stir with a whisk until well blended.

6. 6

   Stir in cooled milk mixture.

7. 7

   Combine flours, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.

8. 8

   Add milk mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.

9. 9

   Spoon batter into an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.

10. 10

    Sprinkle walnuts evenly over batter.

11. 11

    Bake for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

12. 12

    Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.