STICKY DATE PUDDING WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 180oC.
• Grease and line the base of 23cm deep round cake tin.
• Put the dates in a pan with 1 3/4 cups water, bring to the boil then remove from the heat.
• Add the bicarbonate of soda and ginger and leave to stand for 5 minutes.
• Coarsley mash with a potato masher.
• Cream together the butter, sugar and 1 egg.
• Beat in the remaining eggs one at a time.
• Once the eggs are well beaten, gently fold in the sifted flour and spices, add the date mixture and stir until well combined.
• Pour into the tin and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the middle.
• Cover with foil if over browning during cooking.
• Leave to stand for 5 minutes before turning out onto a serving plate.
• To make Caramel Sauce: Put all the ingredients in a pan and stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved.
• Simmer uncovered, for about 3 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
• Brush some sauce over the top and sides of the pudding until well glazed.
• Serve immediately with the sauce and a dollop of cream.