Sticky date smash

Sticky date pudding

Adapted from Taste.com.au

250g pitted dates, chopped

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 C boiling water

125g butter, softened

1 C brown sugar (1/2 C is plenty)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 3/4 C SF flour

Sauce

1 C brown sugar (2/3C is plenty)

300ml thickened cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

60g butter

1. Preaheat oven to 180C, and prepare a 7cm deep, 22cm cake pan. 
2. Place dates and soda in a bowl, then pour over the boiling water and allow to stand for 20 minutes. 
3. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each. 
4. Fold though dates and flour with a metal spoon. 
5. Pour into the cake tin and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Turn onto a plate immediately.
6. For the sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium/high heat, and cook, stirring occasionally until boiling. Allow to boil for a few minutes, until slightly thickened, then reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes. 
7. Pierce pudding with a skewer and pour over 1/2 C of sauce. Stand for 10 minutes, then serve with more sauce and vanilla ice cream.