Sticky Date Pudding (Microwave)

Petroushka's Note:

This is from Janelle Bloom's microwave cookbook. It is easy to make and so delicious. She says she got the recipe from friends who own a cafe in Hornsby. She also warns not to overcook it. This is the dessert I am always asked to make.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

Caramel sauce

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 300 ml cream
• 150 g butter

Pudding

• 250 g dates , pitted and chopped
• ¾ cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 100 g butter
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 1 orange, zest of , grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 2 large eggs (60 grams each)
• 1 cup self-raising flour

Directions:

1. Caramel sauce: Put all ingredient in a 2-litre ovenproof glass jug. Cook, uncovered in the microwave for 5-6 minutes on 850 watts/high/100%, stirring 2-3 times during cooking. Remove from microwave and set aside.
2. Grease a 22 cm ring container with high sides.
3. Combine dates and water in a heatproof dish. cook, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes on 850 watts/high/100%.
4. Quickly stir in bicarb of soda (mixture will froth, so don't worry).
5. Cream together butter, sugar and orange rind. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time.
6. Fold in flour and date mixture. Spread in prepared container. Place on a rack and cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes on 650 watts/medium high/70%.
7. Gently pour two-thirds of the caramel sauce over the half-cooked pudding. Put it back into microwave oven and cook, uncovered, for a further 5-6 minutes on 500 watts/medium/50%. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before turning out.
8. Serve with remaining sauce.

Reviews

[Chickee]

Gorgeous flavour with the orange rind, and cooking in the microwave meant that it was cooked twice as fast as in the oven. Thanks!

[French Tart]

This was JUST like sticky toffee pudding and totally divine! I made it tonight for a little farewell supper for Malcolm and I - I am travelling back to England tomorrow! He has about 3/4's of it left - lucky devil!! The microwave method is so easy and it still comes out sticky and luscious.....I have packed up my camera and laptop, but I DO have photos which I will post later! Made for PAC Autumn 2007 and my LAST PAC baby to leave the nest - I left the best 'til last! Merci encore Petra, a bientot! FT:-)