Sticky Date Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Leave all you ingredients out for an hour or so before making, as this brings everything to the same ambient temperature. Preheat oven to 180°C Grease six muffin tins generously with butter
2. 2
   Start by weighing all your ingredients in separate bowls, so if you make any mistakes you can correct them easily
3. 3
   Pour the boiling water over your dates and bicarbonate of soda. Leave to re hydrate and soften for 10 minutes
4. 4
   Add your eggs one at a time, incorporating fully before adding the next, add your date mixture and mix well
5. 5
   Now sift your flour into mix while mixing gently with a whisk, don't over mix as this will make your pudding tough, when you've incorporated all your flour divide between your six tins, give the tin a few taps again the work surface to release any hidden air bubbles and bake for 25-30 minutes, your cake will have risen, it should still be a little soft in the middle and the surface will spring back when gently pressed
6. 6
   When your cakes have finished, leave them to rest for 2 minutes before taking them out of the tin
7. 7
   We like to pour half the sauce over the puddings so they can absorb the sauce but also it gives it a beautiful glaze