Maple date loaf

Method

• 1
  Preheat oven to 170°C/150°C fan-forced. Lightly grease a 6cm-deep, 10cm x 20cm (base) loaf pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, allowing a 2cm overhang at long ends.
• 2
  Place dates, sugar, butter, bicarbonate of soda and 1 cup cold water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 6 to 8 minutes or until butter has melted. Bring to the boil. Remove from heat. Cool for 10 minutes.
• 3
  Sift flour and mixed spice into a bowl. Add egg and date mixture. Fold into flour mixture. Spoon into prepared pan. Smooth surface.
• 4
  Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted in centre comes out clean. Prick top of loaf all over with a skewer. Drizzle with maple syrup. Stand in pan for 10 minutes or until syrup has absorbed. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Serve.