As I embraced my inner minimalist, my neighbour and I agreed that we wouldn’t buy each other gifts this Christmas, we’d make each other a gift instead. There’s nothing new here as we seem to have an all year round food exchange going on. However, my neighbour went away over Christmas and New Year and I missed her so much not just because it was a long time in between catch ups, but because there was no one to taste test my food, or at least taste test the food with dried fruit in it. Dried fruit is David’s hard limit!
I was so pleased when my neighbour returned home from her Christmas adventures, especially when I saw the abundant bounty of fresh goods from the farm; some ripe and juicy ruby grapefruit, fresh rosemary and the most delicious Macadamia nuts. I had to bake something with the macadamias almost immediately because I could not resist the temptation to inhale the whole jar. The struggle was real I tell you!
This slice is totally old skool but I love it because it’s quick, easy and you can find almost all of the ingredients in the pantry – I don’t know about you, but the ingredients list includes some of my favourite baking staples. In fact, this slice is so delicious, that I have made it time and time again since it’s first inception, it’s my new favourite. Everyone will go nuts for it, I promise!
What are your pantry staples? Are you a fan of dried fruit or is it a no go for you too?
Makes 16 squares
Ingredients
125g butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup (150g) plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup (75g) macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
1/2 cup (80g) pitted dates, roughly chopped
1/4 cup (35g) sultanas
How to – Traditional
- Heat oven to 180C / 160C fan-forced. Grease a 18cm x 22cm pan and line with baking paper so that the paper just hangs out over the side. (This will make it much easier to remove the slice later!)
- Beat butter, sugar, egg and maple syrup with electric mixer until smooth.
- Combine the flour, baking powder and cinnamon in a small bowl. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in 3 batches.
- Fold in the dates, nuts and sultanas.
- Spread mixture into prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until browned.
- Allow to cool in the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
How to – Thermomix
- Heat oven to 180C / 160C fan-forced. Grease a 18cm x 22cm pan and line with baking paper so that the paper just hangs out over the side. (This will make it much easier to remove the slice later!)
- Place the flour, baking powder and cinnamon in TM bowl and mix for 5 seconds on speed 6. Set aside.
- Place butter, sugar, egg and maple syrup in TM bowl and mix for 1 minute on speed 4. Scrape down lid and sides of bowl.
- With the blades running on speed 4, gradually add the dry ingredients through the hole in the lid. This should take about 1 minute.
- Add the dates, nuts and sultanas and combine for 10 seconds on reverse speed 3.
- Spread mixture into prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until browned.
- Allow to cool in the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
