Sticky Date Pudding

Sticky DAte Pudding serves 4 people

Ingredients:

- 200g (about 1 cup) pitted dates, chopped

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 cup boiling water

- 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened

- 3/4 cup brown sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- A pinch of salt

For the sticky toffee sauce:

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or four individual ramekins with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over them and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, or until the dates soften and break down.

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined.

5. In another bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, mixing until just combined.

7. Fold in the soaked dates along with any remaining water from the bowl.

8. Pour the sticky date pudding batter into the prepared baking dish or divide it evenly among the four ramekins.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes for a large dish or about 20 minutes for individual ramekins. The pudding is ready when it's firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. While the pudding is baking, prepare the sticky toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

11. Once the pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish or ramekins for a few minutes.

12. If using a large dish, cut the sticky date pudding into four portions. Serve each portion warm with a generous drizzle of the sticky toffee sauce. You can also top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Enjoy your scrumptious Sticky Date Pudding!