PETER'S GRILL CHOCOLATE CHIP, DATE AND WALNUT CAKE
Serves 9.
This recipe must be prepared in advance. Adapted from the Oct. 27, 1976, issue of Taste.
• 1 c. finely chopped pitted dates
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 c. boiling water
• 13/4 c. flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra for pan
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 c. chocolate chips
• 1/2 c. chopped walnuts
Directions
In a medium bowl, toss dates with baking soda. Pour boiling water over dates and set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Generously butter bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt and cocoa powder.
In a bowl of an electric mixer on medium high speed, beat butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add sugar and beat until mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until thoroughly combined. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
Add date mixture and mix until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts on top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before serving.
