Preheat the oven to 180 C/ 350 F

Combine the dates, sugar, butter and 250 ml water in a saucepan. Stir over a low heat till melted, without boiling. Remove from the heat and cool.

Sift the flour and baking powder and soda into a bowl and mix in the date mixture and walnuts

Pour this mixture into a 2 x greased nut roll pans ( if using ) 1/2 full. Cover with lids

Bake standing upright for 30-35 minutes.

Cool before removing.

To serve: Dates in Ximenez Syrup

Put the vinegar, sugar and water into a saucepan. Bring to the boil. Add the whole dates .

Turn down and simmer until the liquid is reduced and thickened.

Taste the syrup, making sure that it is both sweet and sour. You may need to tweak it a little

Do not reduce the syrup too far as it will caramelise and set. Refrigerate

Cut a slice of date loaf for each plate. Warm a non stick fry pan over medium heat. Melt a teaspoon of butter in the pan and add the date loaf. Toast or brown on each side, keeping them warm until all are done. Serve with a piece of cheese, dates and walnuts.

This combination can also be served with a triple cream cheese or a goat cheese , fresh or semi hard.