Place the dates in a medium sized bowl. Combine the boiling water and baking soda in a large measuring cup then pour over the dates. Let soak for 15 minutes, then stir to combine.
Preheat your oven to 350 °F. Grease a standard 9x5 loaf pan and set aside.
In another bowl whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and salt, then set aside.
In another large bowl, mix the butter and sugar together until crumbly. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Add the flour mixture and mix alternately with the date mixture. Stir in the nuts.
Pour into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 65-75 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack to cool completely.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is even better the second day after you make it!
Notes
YES it's only 2 tablespoons of butter, thanks to the dates you barely need any oil or butter in this recipe!