Okay, I admit it is easier to buy a frozen Sticky Date Pudding at the supermarket and put it in the microwave than it is to make your own from scratch, but truly, home made Sticky Date Pudding is even nicer than bought.

1 Cup chopped dates

1 teaspoon bi-carb soda

300ml boiling water

60gm butter

3/4 Cup caster sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4 Cup Self Raising flour

1 over ripe banana

Butterscotch Sauce

1 Cup brown sugar

150ml cream

60gm butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Put the dates, bi-carb soda in a small bowl, cover and leave to cool.

Cream the butter and sugar, then add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time and beat.

Fold in the flour, then the dates and banana. Pour the mixture into a greased cake tin.

Bake at 160 degrees Celsius for 55 minutes.

Butterscotch Sauce

Place the brown sugar, butter, cream and vanilla extract into a saucepan and bring the mixture to the boil, stirring.

Leave to simmer without stirring for five minutes. Serve over the pudding with cream or ice cream.