Chocolate, Date and Walnut Slice

Another attempt o finish off the jar of dates in the pantry, and some will wonder what is my fixation with dates, dates and dates....

Chocolate, Date and Walnut Slice
3/4 cups dried dates /140g, chopped and cubed
1/2 cup apple juice /125ml
11/2 cups walnut /210g roasted and chopped (can use hazelnuts too)
1/2 cup oats/40g blended a bit ( i substituted with Nestum)
125g dark chocolate
125g butter
3/4 cup caster sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
sifted cocoa powder, for dusting ( I omit this)

1. Line and greased 9 inch square tin, with non stick baking paper overhanging on two sides. Preheat oven to 160 Celsius.
2. Combine dates and apple juice and simmer in small pan for 10 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed. Transfer to bowl to cool.
3.Finely blended the walnut and oat in food processor until combine, then add to date mixture.
4.Melt chocolate in microwave and let cool slightly.
beat butter and sugar until creamy, gradually add eggs, beating well after each addition. Ad dates mixture and melted chocolate and mixed well. Spread into the baking tin.
5.Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set- the slice will still look soft and crumbs wil cling to a metal skewer when tested, but do not overcook. Cool in tin for 30 minutes, cover and refrigerate until firm. Sprinkle with cocoa powder and cut into small square to serve.
hot from the oven to be refrigerate.
Mine is not an even square as you can see in the pics haha..but the taste is excellent not too sweet either great with a cuppa
.