The original recipe had no spices or walnuts, leave them out if you like but we think they make it better.

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped dried dates
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 1/2 cups brown or white sugar (I use brown)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 3 cups plain flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 large egg, whisked

Method

Preheat oven to 180 C and line a 24cm loaf tin (or 2 smaller tins) with baking paper or butter and dust with a little flour. Put dates, water, butter and sugar into a large  saucepan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and add the walnuts and then the gradually add the flour combined with spices and baking soda, Beat well after each addition.  Lastly mix in the egg. Mix thoroughly and spoon into the loaf tin. Bake 45-50 minutes *Any dried fruit can be used instead of dates