Cape Brandy Pudding

Ingredients

Dates

2 cups, pitted and chopped

Baking soda

1 teaspoon

Boiling water

2 cups

Unsalted butter

1/2 cup, softened

Granulated sugar

1 cup

Eggs

2 large

All-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups

Baking powder

1 teaspoon

Salt

1/4 teaspoon

Brandy

1/2 cup

Brandy syrup

1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and set aside for about 10 minutes to soften.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the softened date mixture. Stir in the brandy until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the pudding is baking, prepare the brandy syrup. In a small saucepan, heat the brandy syrup over low heat until warm.
7. As soon as the pudding comes out of the oven, pour the warm brandy syrup over it, allowing it to soak in.
8. Serve the pudding warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.