Sticky Date Pudding!!

The BEST dessert EVER in the history of the universe. I am serious. No I am not exaggerating in the slightest. And this is a quick and easy version of it.

Ingredients: (serves 6)
 - 1 1/4 cups chopped pitted dates
 - 1 1/4 cups water
 - 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
 - 60g softened butter
 - 3/4 cup castor sugar
 - 2 eggs, lightly beaten
 - 1 cup self-raising flour

Sauce:
 - 1/2 cup cream
 - 100g butter
 - 1/2 cup soft brown sugar

Method:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180degreesCelcius. Lightly grease a six ramekins (or similar)
Step 1b: If you're like me and bought dates unchopped, you'll have to chop them... which is a disgusting job because the dates reminded me of dead bugs. But once you get past that (if indeed you can get past that) it only takes a few minutes to chop them up.

Step 2: Place the dates and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil, simmering for about 5min or until the dates are softened.

Remove from the hear and stir in the bicarbonate of soda.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs a little at a time, beating after each addition to make a smooth batter. Fold in the sifted flour and then stir in the date-and-water mixture until well combined.

Step 4: Spoon into the prepared ramekins and bake for 20min or until firm and springy to touch.

Step 5: To make the butterscotch sauce, combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and stir over a low heat until the butter is melted. Simmer for 10min or until thickened.

Turn the puddings out (or if you're lazy like me, keep them in the ramekins) and serve warm with hot butterscotch sauce poured over the top. Deeeeeelicious!