Date Mini Loaves
Photography by Josh Griggs.
Pretty much the best thing in the universe with a strong cup of tea on an autumn afternoon.
Makes: 8 mini loaves or 12 muffins
INGREDIENTS
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
1 cup water
65 grams butter
½ cup golden syrup
½ cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1¼ cups self-raising flour
1 cup wholemeal flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 large egg
½ cup finely chopped crystallised ginger
Equipment: Grease and line an 8-pan mini loaf tin or a 12-hole muffin tin.
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 170°C fan bake.
Put the dates in a medium-large pot with the water, butter, syrup and sugar. Heat, stirring, until the butter is melted. Add the baking soda and whisk until frothy, then leave to cool for 10 minutes. Whisk the flours and ground ginger together in a large bowl. Whisk the egg into the butter mixture, then add to the dry ingredients along with the chopped ginger, reserving a few tablespoons for topping. Stir to combine, then spoon into the prepared tin. Top with the reserved crystallised ginger and bake for 30 minutes (or 20-25 minutes if using a muffin tin), or until the tops are risen and bounce back when gently pressed. Leave to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the tin.

Keep up to date with
dish weekly recipes,
food news, and events.
latest issue:
Issue #120
As the days become shorter, and the nights cooler, the latest issue is perfectly timed to deliver delicious autumn dishes. From recipes using fresh seasonal produce such as feijoas and apples, to spectacular soothing soups and super-quick after-work meals in our Food Fast section, we’ve got you covered. With Easter on the horizon, we feature recipes that will see you through breakfast, lunch and dinner over a leisurely weekend holiday, and whip up chocolatey baking treats sure to please. We round up delicious dinners for two and showcase a hot new Korean cookbook before heading south to Dunedin to check out all that’s new in food and dining.The latest issue of dish is on sale NOW at all good bookstores and supermarkets – don’t miss it!