Ingredients
- Sauce:
- 6 oz chopped dried dates
- 1/2 pint cold water
- 1 t baking soda
- 12 oz caster sugar (finer than granulated, not as fine as confectioners)
- 4 oz softened unsalted butter
- 4 large fresh eggs
- 12 oz self-rising flour
- 1 lb unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 lb light brown soft sugar
- 1 pint heavy cream
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 F.
1. Line a large rectangular deep sided baking tin at least 7" x 9" with baking parchment.
2. Place chopped dried dates in a saucepan and cover with 1/2 pint of cold water: let stand for several hours to allow the dates to swell.
3. Bring the pan of water and dates to the boil and then remove from the heat, add 1 t baking soda and set aside.
4. Beat together caster sugar and softened butter.
5. Add 4 whole large eggs one at a time, beating them into the butter mix, being careful not to "split" the mix by overheating.
6. Add 12 oz. self-rising flour and fold in. At this stage the mixture will become quite stiff.
7. Add the dates and water mix to the butter/flour mixture and stir carefully until combined.
8. Pour into the prepared lined baking tray, place in the center of the oven and cook for 35 to 40 minutes.
Sticky Sauce:
Place all ingredients in a large saucepan: melt the mixture slowly, turn up the heat a little and cook, stirring from time to time.
Put in containers and store in the fridge.