Milk Chocolate Date And Walnut Loaf

I came across this when looking to use some of the walnuts and dates i have in my pantry. A magazine find, it's yummy.

Place dates and water in a saucepan over low heat.

Cook for 5-10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat.

Add the soda , stir and allow to cool.

Preheat oven to 180c.

Grease and line a loaf pan 10cm x21cm , 7 cm deep.

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.

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.

Stir in melted chocolate.

Sift flour over this chocolate mixture , then using a metal spoon , fold in until combined.

Fold in the dates and walnuts , then spoon into prepared pan.

Bake for 50 minutes or until cooked when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Allow to stand in the pan for 10 minutes , then turn out to a wire rack to cool.

Serve sliced.

dates, water, bicarbonate of soda, milk chocolate, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, self-raising flour, walnuts