Sticky Date Pudding With Balsamic Caramel Sauce

Balsamic vinegar is an unusual addition to the sauce, but its what makes this one really special.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 185  g dates (pitted)
• 1  teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 60  g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 185  g caster sugar
• 2  lge eggs
• 185  g self-rising flour
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 75  g brown sugar
• 4  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4  tablespoons  cream
• 2  teaspoons  balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. For Pudding.
2. Put 300ml water in a saucepan, add dates and bring to the boil. Remove from heat, add bicarb soda, stir and set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, beating well each time. Fold in flour, stir in date mixture and vanilla, and pour into a greased 18cm square cake tin.
4. Bake at 160C for 50 minutes, or until cooked when tested with a skewer.
5. For Sauce
6. Combine sugar and butter in a pan and stir over low heat until melted. Add cream and vinegar, bring to the boil, remove from heat and serve warm not hot.