Desserts Recipes - Date Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

SERVES 8

• 225g/8oz stoned dates

• 100g/4oz granulated sugar

• 100g/4oz butter (plus extra for greasing)

• 3 teaspoon grated lemon zest

• 175ml/6fl oz water

• 100g/4oz chocolate drops

• 2 eggs

• 300g/11 oz plain flour

• 3/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

• Pinch of salt

• 225g/8oz walnuts (coarsely chopped)

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Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Grease a shallow 25 x 30cml/10 x 12in tin and line with greaseproof paper.

2. Put the dates, sugar, butter and lemon zest into a saucepan, add 125mlj4fl oz water and cook gently, stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved and the dates have softened.

3. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Cool slightly, then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.

4. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt, then add alternately with 50ml/2fl oz water, beating until smooth. Turn into the prepared tin.

5. Sprinkle the walnuts over the surface and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Leave to  cool in the tin, then cut into bars and serve.