Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
For the Date and Walnut Loaf:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture. Mix until well combined.
6. Fold in chopped walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Caramel Sauce:
1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Increase the heat to high and let the mixture boil without stirring until it turns into a deep amber color.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.
4. Stir in salt and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Let the caramel sauce cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
1 loaf (8-10 slices)
Nutritional information:
Calories: 365
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 76mg
Sodium: 309mg
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 33g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of nuts instead of walnuts, such as pecans or almonds.
- You can use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar.
- You can use margarine instead of butter.
Variations:
- You can add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced flavor.
- You can add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- You can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chop the dates into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Don't overmix the batter, or the loaf will become tough.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing it, or it will crumble.
Storage instructions:
- Store the Date and Walnut Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Store the Caramel Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the Date and Walnut Loaf, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
- To reheat the Caramel Sauce, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature.
Presentation ideas:
- Slice the Date and Walnut Loaf and drizzle the Caramel Sauce over it.
- Serve the Date and Walnut Loaf with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.
- Cut the Date and Walnut Loaf into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter with toothpicks and a bowl of Caramel Sauce for dipping.
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Whipped cream
- Shredded coconut
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
- Yogurt
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the loaf is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- If the Caramel Sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the Caramel Sauce is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store the Date and Walnut Loaf and Caramel Sauce properly to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- Dates and walnuts have been used in baking for centuries, and are often associated with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- The Date and Walnut Loaf is sweet and nutty, with a moist and tender crumb.
- The Caramel Sauce is rich and buttery, with a deep caramel flavor and a hint of salt.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Date and Walnut Loaf and Caramel Sauce as a dessert or a sweet snack.
- Enjoy the Date and Walnut Loaf with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Caramelized, Rich, Moist