Sticky Toffee Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Sprinkle baking soda over chopped dates in a bowl.
2. 2
   Cover with boiling water and cool for 1 hour.
3. 3
   Prepare toffee by heating heavy cream in a saucepan and set aside.
4. 4
   Heat 1/2 cup butter or margarine and brown sugar in a medium saucepan to a boil and cook for 2 minutes while stirring.
5. 5
   Remove from heat, stir in cream and set aside.
6. 6
   Heat oven to 350 degrees.
7. 7
   Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
8. 8
   Beat 1/2 cup butter and sugar in a mixer bowl until fluffy.
9. 9
   Add eggs and beat 1 minute.
10. 10
    Alternately beat in self-rising flour and date mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
11. 11
    Pour into prepared pan.
12. 12
    Bake for 45 minutes.
13. 13
    Cool in pan for 1 hour.
14. 14
    Pour toffee over cake in pan.