Date Cake with Walnuts

Ingredients:

• • 250g dates (soft, juicy dates, not dry ones)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
  • 1/3 cup (80g) sugar

• • 1/2 cup (120ml) oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup (90g) flour

• • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Walnuts or almonds for decoration

Directions:

1. 1. Prepare the Dates:
      • • Remove the pits from the 250g of dates and chop them into quarters.
        • Place the chopped dates in a frying pan with 1/4 cup warm milk. Heat over medium flame for 20-25 minutes until the milk warms up and the dates soften.

   2. Blend the Mixture:
      • • In a blender, add 1/2 cup oil and 1/3 cup sugar. Blend until the sugar dissolves.
        • Add the soaked dates and milk mixture to the blender and blend for 2 minutes until smooth.

   3. Add the Eggs:
      • Add the eggs one at a time to the blender, blending well after each addition to incorporate them thoroughly.

1. Prepare the Batter:
   • • Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl.
     • Sift 3/4 cup flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder together, then gently fold into the date mixture.
     • Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix gently.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan:
   • • Grease a baking pan with oil and line it with butter paper.
     • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and decorate with walnuts or almonds on top.

3. Bake the Cake:
   • • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
     • Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
   • Alternatively, if you don’t have an oven, use a heavy-bottomed pan on the stove. Preheat the pan, place a trivet, and set the baking pan on top. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes on low heat.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • • Let the cake cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

• • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

• • Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
  • Add a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

• Enjoy as a snack with fresh fruit on the side.

Cooking Tips:

• • Ensure the dates are soft and juicy for the best texture.

• • Blend the mixture thoroughly for a smooth, even batter.
  • If using a pan on the stove, keep the flame low to prevent burning.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon in the batter.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Dates are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
  • This cake offers a good balance of healthy fats from the oil and protein from the eggs.

• A perfect natural sweetener, dates provide a healthier alternative to refined sugar.