Date and Walnut Loaf But Not the Original Marriage Post I was going to Bring You

Date and Walnut Loaf

 Hello Beach Dwellers

Mr Beach House is acting like a bachelor with a wife and kids again, so it's situation normal really!!!  It does mean however, my muse is behaving in such a way, as to provide me with the material for yet another funny post on the perils of  marriage.  It's been a while since we had one of those isn't it dear reader?  The fact that he 'works' and sails for most of the weekend (he calls sailing work too) and then goes to the football on Sunday afternoon, gives me some interesting material amongst the mundane to write about. I also tagged along to the football in order to have a little time with the 2 boys in my life, But today I do not have time to be funny nor write about it. Oh no no no dear reader, as, I have that coveted job, this sunny Monday, of driving across town to visit the company accountant, to finalise the end of year accounts for the marine business that only just keeps us in socks and undies,  A business which is however, giving Mr Beach House a fantastic excuse to turn his passion for sailing into a career. Are you with me????? This business is kind of like having a job where you pay the employer for the pleasure of working there.  Believe me, I know I've seen the books!!!!  Not sure who's getting the better deal here!!!!!  But someone has to hold the fort, raise the kids and ensure Mr Beach House's finances are in order.  I promise you I am not laughing!!! I should have been in France right now.  Remember I used to talk about how I would get there this year come hell or high water?  But alas we are now living on  part of my savings for France in order to keep the wolves from the door.

Although I didn't sign up for this, it's my reality right now.  All First World problems I know.......so it's head down, bum up, until there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Thankfully I have a few little happy times planned on the horizon so stay tuned for those. This is what keeps me going. In the mean time, I say 'let them eat cake' and we all know what happened to the girl who first said that.  However it is in fact, one of the nicest date and walnut cakes of all time I think.

This is a lovely one, I have been making for many years and I thought you might like it too.

Date and Walnut Loaf

100g or 3.5 oz butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup water

Pinch of salt

1.5 cups pitted dates

1 teaspoon bicarb soda

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 egg lightly beaten

300g or 2 cups self raising flour

3/4 cup walnut pieces

Grease and line a loaf tin.

Preheat oven to 180C/350F

Put butter, sugar, water, salt and dates in a large saucepan on the stove and bring to the boil.

Remove from the heat and add the bicarb of soda.  The mixture will bubble up, so this is where the saucepan needs to be a good size.

Set aside to cool slightly.

In another bowl combine the flour, walnuts and vanilla.

Add the date mixture to the dry ingredients then whisk in the egg.

Pour into your prepared tin, even out the top and cook for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Cool in the tin for 15 minutes and then turn out onto a wire rack.

Serve sliced with butter.

And remember cakes always slice better when cool.  They tend to crumble if served hot or warm.

Recipe Source: Adapted from a Good Weekend recipe from the Sydney Morning Herald

Have a wonderful week.  I'll be doing my best to put my stamp on it!!!!!
And for all my other baking recipes go here
Today I am Linked up here
Coastal Charm
Metamorphosis Monday
Sunday Showcase
Table Top Tuesday
Cowgirl Up
Take a Look Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesdays
Transformation Thursday
Crafty Soiree
Feathered Nest Friday
Potpourri Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Flaunt it Friday
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Sundae Scoop