Mad About Maida

Portuguese Sweet Walnut Bread Source:  Maida Heatter's Cakes (Andrews & McMeel Publishing, 2011 ed.) , pg. 202 . A very addictive dessert that is not too sweet. The mellow flavor of the cake nicely compliments the walnuts, which are generous. The texture of the cake is really interesting, almost cornbread-like. This is great with a cup of coffee or tea. Very easy to make! It makes a beautiful loaf and cuts neatly with very few crumbs. 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. mace 3/4 tsp. salt 8 oz. (2 sticks) unsalted butter  1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 3/4 cup sugar 6 eggs Finely grated rind of 1 lemon 2 cups walnuts, cut in large pieces Preheat oven to 350. Butter a loaf pan (8 cup capacity) and dust with fine, dry bread crumbs. Sift together the flour, baking powder, mace and salt. Set aside. Beat the butter to soften and add the vanilla and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, until well mixed. Add the flour mixt...

Date-Nut Rocks Source:  Maida Heatter's Cookies (Andrews & McMeel Publishing, 1997 ed.) , pg. 87 . These cookies are thick and soft and have a nice subtle flavor. Be careful not to overbake. I burned the bottoms of the cookies on my first batch. I would recommend setting your timer a a few minutes before the designated time (18 minutes) and take them out early. The batter is very light in color and easy to work with. I always use an ice-cream scoop for forming the dough. It makes it so much easier. I used pecans for the nuts but walnuts are fine as well. I had dates in the cabinet from earlier in the year and wondered if they were still okay to use. I was reading the box and noticed that it said it was best to refrigerate after opening. I learned something new! I used the dates anyway as well as some fresher ones and they turned out okay.   2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. baking powder Pinch of salt 1 tsp. allspice 4 ...