Milk Chocolate, Date and Walnut Loaf

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 180°C.

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 (and buttered if you wish).