Super moist Date-raisin Cake

This cake is idiot proof. It is super tatsy and moist. It has lots of warm spices in it which makes it perfect for the holiday season. It is great warm from the oven but even better the day after with coffee for breakfast. A lot of people serve this cake with sticky toffee sauce and whipped cream but I think it is best enjoyed on it's own.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup raisins
  

Method:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and place a small rectangle of parchment in the bottom of the pan.
  
• In a saucepan over medium heat, bring dates and water to a boil. Stir in 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until melted. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Let cool for 10 minutes.
• Place date mixture into a large bowl. Blend in flour, spices, eggs and vanilla.
  
• Stir in chopped walnuts. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
• Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  
• Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
• Drool