New Toy.

Our oven has been dying a long slow death in the five years we've been here, so with winter in full swing and the need for warm, comforting baked goods, we decided the time had come to invest in a new oven.  One that didn't burn everything put in it, while leaving some bits raw, one with a light that works, one that wasn't so noisy it gave me a headache listening to the noise of the fan - or whatever bits were being noisy - you get the picture... Today our new oven was installed, so today I baked!! I'd forgotten how enjoyable baking should be.  

I LOVE MY NEW OVEN.  

And the cake was perfect, no burnt bits, no crunchy edges with raw middle, no noise, no disappointment.  Here is what I baked...  So it may not win any ribbons for prettiness, but trust me, it's delicious!

Lucy's Apple & Date Cake

And here is the recipe, given to me by my very good friend Lucy, and scrawled on the back of an envelope while our kids played at the park this morning!

Lucy's Apple & Date Cake

175g butter

1.5 cups self raising flour

2 teaspoons mixed spice

1-2 granny smith apples, peeled and chopped

3/4 cup raw sugar

1 cup chopped dates

1 egg

150ml milk

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons raw sugar

Rub butter into flour and mixed spice, until it resembles breadcrumbs (can be done by hand or in food processor).

Stir in apples, sugar and dates.

Then stir through egg and milk.

Bake at 160'C (fan forced) for 60mins.

Melt honey and stir in extra sugar, spread over warm cake.  This cake tastes great anytime, but is especially delicious served warm.

PS. I'm well aware my presentation and plating skills would not cut it with the CWA, but who has time for plating when this waits to be consumed!