Step 1

Place the figs, butter, and baking soda in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over and stir, let stand for about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan.

Step 3

Whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla into the fig mixture. Stir in the walnuts. Set aside.

Step 4

In another bowl whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine. Whisk the flour mixture into the fig and walnut mixture just until combined.

Step 5

Pour the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Baking times may vary, not all ovens are the same.

Step 6

Place the loaf pan on a wire rack and let cool for about 15 minutes. Then turn the bread our onto the rack and allow to cool completely.