Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 ¾ cups flour
½ lb dates
1 ¼ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt
3 ½ oz butter
3 tsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon
Method:
1) Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF. Line the cake pan or grease it
2) Mix the eggs, oil, Sugar, baking powder and the baking soda together for 3 minutes.
3) Chop the dates into smaller pieces by hand. Do not process, as processing can chop them too finely.
4) Add the flour, spice (if adding) and the dates in order. First the flour, then the dates.
5) Add the water and start beating until the dates become soft.
6) Add the raisins and nuts (optional). Mix to combine.
7) Pour the batter into the small pre-lined or greased pan. Place in the oven and bake 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. However, do be aware that date residue can appear as a stickiness on the skewer-look for batter as well and if there is none, the cake should be done.
The cake will appear golden brown and firm when it's done.
Remove from the oven when baked. Cool in the pan for 6 minutes, then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely on the wire cooling rack.
