Sticky Toffee Pudding

Step 1

Put the dates in a bowl and cover with the 1 cupboiling water to soften, at least 5 minutes.Heat the oven to 350 and grease a deep9-by-13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Combine the 3 tablespoons butter,baking soda, a pinch of salt, Demerarasugar, 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon dark brownsugar, eggs, flour and vanilla extractin a food processor and pulse until justcombined. Add the dates and 1/2 cup of the waterto the mixture; pulse until nearly smooth(specks of dates should remain visible).

Step 3

Pour the mixture into the baking dishand bake for about 30 minutes, untiljust firm to the touch. (When the puddinghas finished baking, remove from theoven and heat the broiler. Put the rackabout 4 inches from the heat source.)

Step 4

Meanwhile, make the topping. Melt5 tablespoons butter in a small saucepanover medium heat, then slowly add 1cup cream and 6 tablespoons dark brown sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt,whisking continuously until the mixturebubbles gently and comes togetherto form a smooth mixture; turn off heat.

Step 5

In another small saucepan overmedium heat, make the extra sauce. Melt3 tablespoons butter, then slowly add1 ¼ cups cream and 3 tablespoons darkbrown sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Repeat the process above.

Step 6

Pour the topping (careful not to usethe extra sauce) over the cooked puddingand place the whole thing in the broileruntil it bubbles and looks sticky, 1 or 2minutes (watch it closely). To serve, spoon into bowls andcover with the extra sauce. If you like,add a dollop of whipped cream.