This is the time of year that when you come inside after being out and about, when you sit down with a cup of tea or coffee, you really fancy a piece of cake to go with it. I actually don’t often make cakes these days, perpetually thinking about calories! However, this recipe is from my cousin, and every year when we go on the family holiday and we each bring a home-made cake, this is what she brings! Not only is it very delicious and more-ish, it is easy to make!
Diana’s date and walnut loaf
- 4 oz chopped dates
- 4 oz caster sugar (vanilla sugar if you have it, or add 1 tsp of vanilla essence)
- pinch of salt
- 1 level tsp bicarb
- 2 oz margarine cut into small chunks
- 6 fl oz boiling water
- 1 beaten egg
- 2 oz chopped walnuts
- 8 oz self-raising flour
- put dates, sugar, salt, bicarb, and margarine in a bowl, pour on boiling water and mix very well to melt margarine… let it cool
- when it is cool enough, add all other ingredients and mix well to a better like consistency
- pour mixture into a greased and lined 2lb loaf tin
- bake in the centre of the oven, gas mark 3, for about 1½ hours until firm and cool in the tin
This is lovely sliced and spread with butter, it keeps well and is great for picnics, packed lunches or any other occasion!!
Lois Elsden 