Date and Fig Spread

Dates and dried figs have all the sweetness you need as a substitute for traditional sugar-laden fruit jams. Recipe makes 2 cups.

Ingredients:

1 cup seedless dates
1 cup dried figs
6 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice

Method:

1. Chop fruit finely.
2. Add to bowl, pour juice over, cover and soak overnight.
3. Spoon into blender or food processor and blend for approximately 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Store, covered, in a jar in refrigerator.

Date and Walnut Loaf Cake

Don't limit yourself to dates and walnuts; substitute any other dried fruit and nuts you choose. Recipe makes 10 slices.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 cups wholemeal self-rising (raising) flour
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons margarine
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 egg, beaten
1 cup skim milk

Method:

1. Pour boiling water over dates and let stand for 30 minutes.
2. Mix flour and spices in bowl.
3. Rub in margarine until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Add sugar, dates, soaking water and walnuts to dry mixture and mix lightly.
5. Stir in egg and skim milk.
6. Place in lightly greased nut loaf tin.
7. Bake upright for 45 minutes or until cooked (see below).
8. Leave in tin for 10 minutes before turning out to cool.

Oven Temperature: 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 minutes, then lower to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for a further 25 minutes.