Sticky date pudding

1 kg	Medoule dates (pitted & chopped)
1.2 lt	Water
4 tsp	Bicarbonate of soda
300g	Butter
700g	Dark brown sugar
8	Eggs
700g	Self-raising flour

Method

1.      Simmer the dates in the water for 5 mins.

2.      Add the bicarbonate of soda & allow to cool.

3.      Cream the butter & sugar, then add the eggs one at a time while beating vigorously.

4.      Drain the water from the dates.

5.      Fold the flour & dates into the egg mixture.

6.      Line a baking tin with baking parchment & pour in the mixture.

7.      Bake in an oven at 180ºC for about 45 mins-1 hr.