1 c  Dates (180g) --  pitted and
Chopped
1 ts Bicarbonate of soda
1 c  Boiling water
2 tb Butter
1 c  Soft brown sugar
2    Eggs
1 1/2 c  Self-raising flour-sifted
Toffee Sauce:
1 c  Soft brown sugar
3/4 c  Light whipping cream.
1/2 ts Vanilla
2 tb Butter

Mix dates and baking soda in a heat-proof bowl. Pour boiling water on top
and leave to stand. Cream butter and sugar until pale, then add eggs one at
a time, heating well after each addition. Gently fold in sifted flour, stir
in the date mixture, and pour into a lightly buttered 18cm or 7″ square or
round cake tin. Bake in a preheated oven (180 C) for 30-40 minutes, until
an inserted skewer comes clean. Combine sugar, cream, vanilla essence and
butter in a saucepan, bring to the boil, stirring, and simmer for five
minutes. Set aside until ready to serve, then quickly reheat when needed.
Cut pudding into squares and place each square in the centre of a warm
dinner plate. Pour hot toffee sauce over each square and serve with fresh
cream.

Jill Dupleix