• 1 1/2 c chopped dates
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2/3 c boiling water
• 125 gm softened butter
• 2/3 c sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 c self raising flour

Preheat the oven to 180C. Place the dates and the baking soda in a bowl and pour over boiling water. Stir and set aside to cool.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffly. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well. Stir in the vanilla. Fold in the flour and mix until just combined finally adding the dates and liquid.
Spoon the mixture into well greased large muffin tins and bake for 15-20 mins.

Butterscotch sauce

• 75g butter
• 1/2 c cream
• 1 c brown sugar
• 1 tbsp golden syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence

Bring all the ingredients to the boil in a pot and simmer 2-3 mins. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Serve with the warm puddings. Delicious!
Makes 12.