Cape Brandy Pudding

Ingredients

• Brandy syrup - 1 cup
• Brandy - 1/2 cup
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Flour - 1 1/2 cups
• Eggs - 2
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Butter - 1/2 cup
• Boiling water - 1 cup
• Baking soda - 1 teaspoon
• Dates - 1 cup, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with the date mixture. Stir in the brandy.
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. Pour the syrup over the pudding as soon as it comes out of the oven.
7. Serve the pudding warm, with a dollop of cream if desired.