Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place dates and water in a saucepan over low heat; cook for 5-10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
  2. Remove from heat;add the soda, stir and allow to cool.
  3. Preheat oven to 180°C.
  4. Grease and line a loaf pan 10cm x21cm, 7 cm deep.
  5. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stir with a metal spoon for 5 minutes, or until chocolate is melted; remove from heat and cool.
  6. Using a mixer, cream butter, sugar and maple syrup until pale and creamy; add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each egg is added.
  7. Stir in melted chocolate.
  8. Sift flour over this chocolate mixture, then using a metal spoon, fold in until combined.
  9. Fold in the dates and walnuts, then spoon into prepared pan.
  10. Bake for 50 minutes or until cooked when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  11. Allow to stand in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out to a wire rack to cool.
  12. Serve sliced (and buttered if you wish).