Sticky Date Pudding

The simplest things in life make me feel so happy. A sunny day after weeks of rain. Climbing into bed when the sheets are freshly washed. Teddy bouncing around with excitement when I get home from work. Comfort food.

There's one dessert that is so simple, fast and easy to make, and it's always a winner at every table I serve it to.

STICKY DATE PUDDING

Place 200g pitted dates in a bowl and sprinkle over 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

Pour over 1 cup of boiling water and let stand for about 15 minutes.

Place into a blender and whizz until smooshed.

Beat together 1/4 cup soft butter with 1/2 cup caster sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time.

Alternate the addition of your smooshed dates with 1 1/3 cups of self raising flour.

Fold gently to combine, then scrape into a greased springform pan.

Bake at 160 C for about 35 minutes (until a skewer comes out clean).

Caramel Sauce

And now for the best part - the sticky part!

Place 100g chopped butter, 1 cup brown sugar and 1 cup cream in a saucepan.

Stir over low heat until dissolved.

(Sometimes I like to add a pinch of sea salt to taste!)

To serve, place a nice big slice in a bowl, pour the hot sauce over, and top with either a dollop of whipped cream or better yet, vanilla ice cream :)