Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 8 1/2 inch by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan with non stick spray
In a large bowl add dates, butter, baking soda, salt and brown sugar
Heat buttermilk.just until.hot, pour over date mixture, stir and let stand 15 minutes
Add egg, vanilla,baking powder, cinnamon and flour, stir well to combine
Stir in cahews
Spoon into prepared pan. Place the whole cashews in a line on top of batter. Bake 55 to 65 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean
Cool in pan on rack about 15 minutes, then run a sharp knife around edges to release bread. Cool. This bread slices best if cooled overnight. It keeps very well wrapped in plastic wrap. It can Also be frozen whole or in sliced
