Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over them, stir well, and let stand for 10-15 minutes. The dates will soften and plump up.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add the date mixture (including the water) and the egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Gently fold in the toasted chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
Step 9: Remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
Step 10: Carefully invert the bread onto the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.