Sticky Date Pudding

Ingredients:
Date Pudding:
250g pitted dates
1 tsp bicarb of soda
1½ cup water
125g softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1¾ cups SR flour, sifted

Caramel Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar
300ml thickened cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
60g butter

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180° C. Grease and line the base of a 7cm high 22cm base pan springform pan.
2. Place dates and water in small pan and bring to the boil. Sprinkle the bicarb over it and leave to stand for 20 minutes.
3. Beat butter and sugar till pale and creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Using large metal spoon, fold through date mixture and flour until well combined.
6. Spoon into pan and bake 35-40 minutes. 
7. Meanwhile make sauce by mixing all ingredients and cooking over low flame.
8. Test doneness of pudding with skewer. Let cool slightly then remove from pan.
9. Pierce pudding all over with skewer. Pour 1/2 cup of warm sauce over warm pudding.
10. Stand for 10 minutes. 
11. Serve with remaining sauce on the side.  Add a little dark rum in sauce, if desired.