English Sticky Date Pudding

200 grams pitted dates, chopped
1 and 1/4 cups water
1 teaspoon baking soda
60 grams butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup self raising flour ( if you use regular flour, add 1 teaspoon baking powder)
75 grams semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Sauce
1 cup thick cream
1 cup packed brown sugar
200 grams butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the dates and water in a saucepan and bring to boil.  Remove from the heat, stir in the soda, and let stand for 5 minutes.  You can puree til smooth, or just mash them.
Cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Fold in the flour, dates, followed by chocolate chips if desired.
Pour into a greased 9x13 pan or bundt pan.  Bake for 50-55 minutes.
Prepare the sauce by placing the cream, brown sugar and butter in a saucepan.  Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.  Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven and poke holes in the top with a fork.  Pour the sauce over the top, return to oven for 5 minutes.  Serve with cream, ice cream, or both.  This recipe is from Terri Cox in Australia.