Sticky Date Pudding

The pudding:

1 ¼ c boiling water

1 ½ c chopped dates

1 tsp baking soda

¾ c brown sugar

4 1/3 tbsp butter

2 eggs

½ tsp vanilla

1 ½ c self-rising flour

The sauce:

2 c brown sugar

1 c heavy cream

2 ¼ sticks butter

1 tsp vanilla

For the pudding: Pour boiling water over the dats, and add the baking soda.  Set aside.  Cream the brown sugar and butter, then add the eggs and vanilla; fold in the flour.  Combine the date mixture to the brown sugar mixture, then pour into a greased 9x9 pan.  Bake 30-40 minutes at 375.

For the sauce: Bring all ingredients to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes.  Pour a little over warm pudding and return the pudding to the over for 5 minutes.  Pour the rest of the sauce over individual servings.