Date and Walnut Cake

I have no wish to spoil anyone's New Years resolution for cutting down on eating cakes, honestly, but I have this delicious Date and Walnut cake recipe I'd like to share with you. It has been a firm favourite of mine for a number of years. And I don't particularly like walnuts!
I just can't resist having a slice fresh from the oven - it smells and tastes devine.

It's really easy to make, keeps well and is handy to produce if anyone just happens to drop in for a cuppa.

I remember when I worked in the Middle East and took this cake into the office for our tea breaks, it was a big hit. Which, when you consider the different cultures, tastes and preferences between the staff was quite a feat. They all enjoyed it so much, that upon leaving, I had to pass on the recipe plus a whole loaf each!

Well, if your wanting a healthy start to 2011 aren't walnuts and dates are good for you....?

I'd like to state here and now that this egg is from a happy hen or as they say here in Australia, a happy chuck! In fact all my eggs come from 'happy chucks'




Sit back and enjoy - perfect for afternoon tea
It also goes well with coffee.

Recipe for Date and Walnut Cake

6oz (175g) Self Raising Flour
4oz (110g) Butter
4oz (110g) Sugar
1 Egg
5oz (150g) Dates
4oz (110g) shelled Walnuts
A little milk

1. Preheat oven to 180C.
2. Place softened butter and sugar into a mixing bowl and cream together.
3. Add egg.
4. Sift flour a little at a time into the mixture.
5. Add dates and walnuts. A little milk can be added at this stage until the mixture is a creamy consistancy. It shouldn't need too much milk.
6. Place mixture in a greased floured baking loaf tin.
7.Place in pre-heated oven for 40 to 45 mins depending on oven.
When the cake is golden and firm to the touch in the centre of the tin, its ready.

I do hope you enjoy it.