Sticky Date Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 180C Mix dates and baking soda in a heat proof bowl.
2. 2
   Pour boiling water on top and leave to stand.
3. 3
   Cream butter and sugar until pale, then add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4
   Gently fold in the sifted flour, stir in the date mixture and pour into a greased 18cm cake tin.
5. 5
   Bake for 30-40 minutes.
6. 6
   Sauce: 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence, 1 tablespoon butter.
7. 7
   Combine sugar, cream, vanilla and butter in a saucepan, bring to the boil, stirring and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. 8
   Cut pudding into wedges and pour hot sauce over.