Orange-flavoured brownies

Makes 24 squares

Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus soaking time

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Oven temperature: 180°C

• 140 g (about 250 ml) dates

• 100 ml boiling water

• 125 g butter, melted

• 250 g melted orange-flavoured dark chocolate

• 100 g pecan nuts

• 3 eggs

• 250 ml sugar

• 140 g (250 ml) self-raising flour, sifted

• 60 ml cocoa, sifted

1 Pour the boiling water into a bowl with the dates and set aside to soak until cooled.

2 Preheat the oven and line a square baking pan (23 x 23 cm) with baking paper. Place the dates and water in a blender and pulse; mix with the butter, chocolate and nuts.

3 Beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Fold in the remaining ingredients until just combined and spoon into the prepared pan. Bake for about 30–35 minutes. The squares should still be slightly moist on the inside. Cool and cut into squares.

Tip These brownies are delicious as is, or coated with melted chocolate, extra nuts and candied orange peel.