1)

Preheat conventional oven to 350 F.

2)

Grease 1 9" x 13" pan with butter and coat lightly with flour, shake out excess flour.

3)

Combine dates with hot water in a saucepan -- bring to boil. Remove from heat and add baking soda. Set aside to cool.

4)

In a mixing bowl cream butter and sugar on high speed for 3 minutes.

5)

With mixer on low speed, add eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add flour, baking powder, and salt.

6)

When fully mixed add the dates and their liquid.

7)

Place batter into greased pan and bake in preheated oven until a skewer inserted comes out clean (30-45 minutes).

8)

Cool on a baking rack before removing from the pan.

1)

Stir together first three ingredients on low heat, until blended and brown sugar has melted.

2)

Whisk heavy cream into brown sugar and butter mixture.

1)

Spoon warm caramel sauce over 1 serving portion of Sticky Toffee Pudding.

2)

Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.