Fabulous Fig Bread

Directions

In a medium-sized heat-proof bowl, combine the figs and pistachios, add boiling water and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350℉ (180℃).

Grease an 8½ inch by 4½ inch loaf pan.

In medium sized bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy.

Gradually beat in the sugar.

Add the egg and vanilla and beat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until lightened.

Add the dry ingredients and beat until just blended.

With a spoon, blend in the fig mixture.

Turn into the prepared pan and bake 1 to 1¼ hours, or until the bread just begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, and the top springs back when lightly touched.

Cool in pan on a rack for 15 minutes, and then turn out and cool completely.

Wrap in plastic and store overnight before serving.

Cut into thin slices.