After the loss of our two beloved family pets within a month, I barely wanted to grocery shop, let alone cook. I’m slowly regaining the kitchen by making comfort food – familiar dishes that demand little creativity and deliver the culinary equivalent of a hug. For my first foray, I chose a retro book with a happy theme, The Boston Globe Cook Book for Brides (Globe Newspaper Co., 1963). My son found it for me at a yard sale. The chatty recipes make me feel like I’m sitting at a table with Grandma Bertie and her friends.

The premise of the book is recipes sent in by Globe readers to “delight and charm” their husbands. Its sexist optimism makes me laugh, even though I admit that I’m glad when my husband and children like the food I make. This date-nut bread from a contributor who calls herself “Irish Indian” uses orange marmalade in the batter, which gives the bread extra moisture and flavor. I’ll have to work my way up to four- and five-course menus but this felt like a good start.

Orange Marmalade Date-Nut Bread (1963)
Makes 1 loaf

1 cup dates, cut up
1 cup hot water
1 tablespoon butter
1 beaten egg
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup nuts [I used walnuts]
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup marmalade

Combine the dates, hot water and butter. Cool slightly. Add the egg, sugar and nuts. Sift flour, soda and salt and add. Stir in marmalade. Bake about 45 minutes in a greased and floured loaf pan at 350 degrees. “Delicious with cream cheese.”