Date and Walnut Slice

Method13 steps · about 50 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare date paste by combining chopped dates, water (1/2 cup) and vinegar in a saucepan, bringing to the boil and simmering for 5 minutes or until the mixture reaches a paste-like consistency. Set aside.

   Simmer Date Paste · 5 minUses 250 grams pitted dates · 1/2 cup water · 2 teaspoons white vinegar

2. 2

   Step 2: Preheat oven to 170 degrees celsius (fan-forced).

3. 3

   Step 3: Cream butter (115 grams) and sugar (1 cup) in a stand mixer.

   Uses 115 grams butter · 1 cup caster sugar

4. 4

   Step 4: Add egg (1) and beat again.

   Uses Creamed butter and caster sugar · 1 egg

5. 5

   Step 5: Mix in milk (1/2 cup), flour (3 cups) and bicarb soda (3 teaspoons), and coconut, alternating after adding about 1/3 of each.

   Uses Butter-sugar-egg dough base · 1/2 cup milk · 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut · 3 cups plain flour · 3 teaspoons bicarb soda

6. 6

   Step 6: Grease two 27 x 17cm (approx) slice tins.

7. 7

   Step 7: Take 2/3 of the mixture and divide evenly between the two slice tins. Press mixture into the bottom of the tins.

   Uses Two-thirds dough divided equally between two tins

8. 8

   Step 8: Spread date paste as evenly as possible onto mixture in tins then sprinkle with chopped walnuts (100 grams).

   Uses Two prepared dough bases · Prepared date paste · 100 grams chopped walnuts

9. 9

   Step 9: Divide the reserved one-third dough into two equal portions and roll each into a lid. Place one lid over each prepared date-and-walnut layer and trim to fit.

   Uses Date-and-walnut-filled tray bases · Reserved one-third dough, divided into two lids

10. 10

    Step 10: Pierce top layer with a fork, leaving a 4-5cm gap between piercings.

    Uses Assembled two-tray date-and-walnut slices

11. 11

    Step 11: Place slice tins in oven and cook slice for 15-20 minutes or until golden on top.

    Bake Slice · 20 minUses Fork-pierced raw slices

12. 12

    Step 12: When cold, combine icing sugar (1/2 cup), rosewater (2 1/2 teaspoons) and pink colouring and drizzle over slice.

    Uses Baked date-and-walnut slices · 1/2 cup icing sugar · 2 1/2 teaspoons rosewater · 1 drop pink food colouring

13. 13

    Step 13: Cut into squares and remove from tins. Sprinkle with dried rose petals.

    Uses Fully cooled slices with rosewater fondant · A handful edible dried rose petals for decoration, optional; amount unspecified