Monday, August 20, 2012

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


22 comments :

  1. Hi Carolyn,
    I feel for you!
    It will give you extra time to learn some French though......glass half full.
    You could have a mini holiday in Newcastle instead ;o) I will do my best to speak French to you......ooh la la!
    Tania xx

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    Replies
    1. Well you've got me laughing again.... Love you girls. But be careful what you are offering for I might be knocking on that pineapple door knocker of yours some time real soon.
      Carolyn

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    2. I'll have the Passion Pop ready ;o)
      Tania xx

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  2. cake looks great! i know what you mean. mine is a golfer, another sport that takes a long time.
    don't worry, when the kids are older you'll enjoy him being out and busy.
    x

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  3. Looks delicious Carolyn! Hope the husband behaves himself this week! Mine is into computer games of all things, he can while away a whole glorious sunny day in front of the computer screen playing Battlefield online with all the other husbands LOL...men!! Oh well sometimes it's best to leave them to it and enjoy some time to ourselves, take care lovely lady :) xo K

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  4. Looks delicious-too hot to bake right now-it's been 100 degrees
    in our neighborhood.

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  5. I am a golf widow!- Club championships at the moment so he played golf both days on the weekend and will do the same next weekend!
    I love date and walnut loaf- though I think the sea urchins on top might be a bit too crunchy for me!!!!

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  6. Oh Carolyn! We need to talk. I love anything with dates and walnuts and being one step closer to my life long dream of going to Italy, minus the bachelor with ex-wife and wanna be Father of the Year. We really need to talk. LOL

    Thinking of you.

    Anne xx

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  7. Love your blue and white styling here!!! Where did you find the pot plant pot? I have been looking for something like that everywhere!! xx

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  8. The plant is known as baby bamboo. It's faux from ikea. I think they are still in stock. I've has live ines as well. It was great when I watered it lots and feed it every month, but once I had kids, it died.
    As for the pot holder, like most of my stuff, it's thrifted.
    Hope you are well.
    Carolyn

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  9. My husband has a passion for photography and guitars, neither of which come cheaply. He works at a "real" job, but it pays him less than he was making on unemployment, so I'm the breadwinner around here, so they'll be no trips to France (or Italy) on the horizon for me (we had talked about going to Italy for our 25th anniversary next year - I don't see that happening!)

    Your cake looks (and sounds!) yummy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan

      Most men are inherently selfish, whilst most women are inherently feel guilty if they take time out for themselves. A combination that drives the survival of the species by way of child rearing most efficiently.

      Delete
  10. Thanks for this, I'm going to try it. Kids hate nuts so it will be all for me, yum!
    Thanx, Nic

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nickers
      Hope the diet's still on track. I miss you on FB
      Caro

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  11. your pictures are lovely- and inspiring. they always make me want to try out what you do!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Julie
      Our food styling brief for the cook book was to make the reader want to lick the page. I kind of liked that analogy and now try to get that feeling in all my food styling.
      Carolyn

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  12. Did I mention I'm trying to lose 14 kg? This isn't helping!

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  13. I'm sure you'll get to France eventually Carolyn...and when you do make sure you get that hubs of yours to spoil you rotten :)
    Cake sounds delicious too and I love your photos!
    Cas x

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  14. Oh boy my mouth is watering looking at that cake, even with a mouth sore from having 2 teeth yanked last week. Had an infection that is still causing some pain. I am embarrassed to admit I"m drooling.
    So sorry your trip to France has been put on hold yet again? I'll keep my fingers crossed you'll make it sooner rather than later.

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  15. Carolyn that cake looks devine! Feel for you lovely... I hope your hubby is reading your blog, I don't think they get subtle. Hope you have a sunny week :) hugs.. Jo xx

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