GRANNY DATE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to gas 150C/300F/Gas 2. Grease and line a 1.4kg/3lb loaf tin.
• In a bowl sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, mixed spice and salt.
• Rub in the butter and then fold in the mixed fruit.
• Stir the bicarbonate of soda into the milk then add to the mix and stir until well combined.
• Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin and place in the oven for 1hr 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake and cover it with a sheet of foil if it’s getting too dark.
• Allow to cool a little and then turn out. Serve in slices with plenty of butter.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Sift together the flour and cocoa powder into a mixing bowl and set aside.
• Cream together the butter and sugar until light and pale in colour (you can use a wooden spoon but it’s easier and quicker with an electric hand whisk).
• Mix in the sifted flour and cocoa – the mixture might look as if it needs liquid to bring it together, but keep working in the ingredients and it will form a dough.
• Working quickly, roll the dough between the palms of your hands into walnut-sized balls and arrange on the baking sheets, spaced well apart. Flatten the cookie dough balls with the back of the fork.
• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 5mins, then turn the temperature down to 170°C/150°C fan/gas 2 for a further 15-20 mins.
• The biscuits should feel firm on top but not hard. Remove from the oven and transfer to cool on a wire rack, before storing in airtight container.