Sticky Date Pudding (Microwave)

This is from Janelle Bloom's microwave cookbook. It is easy to make and so delicious. She says she got the recipe from friends who own a cafe in Hornsby. She also warns not to overcook it. This is the dessert I am always asked to make.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• Caramel sauce

• 1 1⁄2 cups brown sugar
• 300  ml  cream
• 150  g butter

• Pudding

• 250  g dates, pitted and chopped
• 3⁄4 cup hot water
• 1  teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 100  g butter
• 1  cup caster sugar
• 1  orange, zest of, grated
• 1  teaspoon vanilla essence
• 2  large eggs (60 grams each)
• 1  cup self-raising flour

Directions

1. Caramel sauce: Put all ingredient in a 2-litre ovenproof glass jug. Cook, uncovered in the microwave for 5-6 minutes on 850 watts/high/100%, stirring 2-3 times during cooking. Remove from microwave and set aside.
2. Grease a 22 cm ring container with high sides.
3. Combine dates and water in a heatproof dish. cook, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes on 850 watts/high/100%.
4. Quickly stir in bicarb of soda (mixture will froth, so don't worry).
5. Cream together butter, sugar and orange rind. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time.
6. Fold in flour and date mixture. Spread in prepared container. Place on a rack and cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes on 650 watts/medium high/70%.
7. Gently pour two-thirds of the caramel sauce over the half-cooked pudding. Put it back into microwave oven and cook, uncovered, for a further 5-6 minutes on 500 watts/medium/50%. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before turning out.
8. Serve with remaining sauce.