Place the figs, butter, and baking soda in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over and stir, let stand for about 15 minutes.
8 oz dried figs, chopped, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 cup boiling water
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
Whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla into the fig mixture. Stir in the walnuts. Set aside.
1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
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.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt
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.
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.