Christmas Cherry Tart

Do you need some different ideas for Christmas. As we count down the days, I will share some of my ideas to Christmas with you.
Serve this tart as an alternative to Christmas pudding. It's just as festive and perfect for those, like me, who do not like raisins and sultanas! It lovely with fresh cream or a good vanilla ice-cream.
Double the recipe for a big crowd and bake in a large baking dish.

100g chopped dates
2ml bicarb
120ml boiling water
75ml castor sugar
50ml salted butter
1 egg
1 cup cake flour
1t ground cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
pint of salt
1t baking powder
125g red glace cherries, cut in half
1/2t good vanilla extract
75g pecan nuts chopped
1t finely grated orange zest

Syrup
120ml water
1T butter
75ml light brown sugar
4T orange liqueur or freshly squeezed orange juice

Place the dates in a bowl, sprinkle with bicarb and pour over the boiling water. Allow to cool and then crush lightly with a spoon.
Cream the butter and sugar until pale and light. Add the lightly beaten egg and beat well.

Sift the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and baking powder. Add to the mixture.

Add in the remaining ingredients, including the dates.
Pour into a well greased pie dish and bake at 180C for 25 minutes.

To make the syrup, simmer the ingredients until the sugar dissolves. Then boil for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the liqueur or orange juice.
Prick the pudding with a toothpick. Pour over the syrup. Leave overnight to absorb. Serve at room temperature.

Tip: serve with mascarpone as a wonderful treat. Make your own using my recipe!

See my Christmas Fruit loaf recipe as an alternative to a heavy Christmas cake!