Ingredients:

• 1 cup dates (each chopped in two)
• 1 cup raisins or sultanas
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 oz/60 gm butter
• 1  1/2 cups hot water
• 2 large cups sifted flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

Method:

Put dates, raisins, nuts, sugar and butter in a pot with the hot water and boil for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool then add the flour and baking soda. Mix all together and add to a small greased  tin (4.5 in/11.5 cm x 8.5 in/21.5 cm). Bake for 45 minutes at 160 C/325 F (if you are using a fan-forced oven  then you will need to lower the temperature by up to 10 degrees centigrade and/or adjust the time). Leave to cool on a rack.