Step 1

Add the dates and water to a small saucepan.

Step 2

Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for only a couple of minutes. Let stand for a few minutes while preparing the rest of the batter.

Step 3

Cream together the butter brown sugar and vanilla.

Step 4

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 5

Add the molasses and golden syrup and beat well.

Step 6

Sift together the flour and baking powder.

Step 7

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three equal portions mixing until smooth after each addition.

Step 8

Puree the date mixture in a food processor or blender before mixing in the baking soda.

Step 9

Add this hot mixture immediately to the batter and mix until smooth.

Step 10

Pour batter into well greased and floured muffin tins and bake for about 18 – 20 minutes at 350 degrees F until the center is just firm.

Step 11

Serve warm with Toffee Sauce.

Step 12

Bring all of the ingredients to a slow rolling boil for about 2 min before serving over the baked puddings.