Post by chief_cook2 on Apr 17, 2004 13:08:37 GMT -6
1/2 c Butter, room temperature, cut into eight pieces Plus extra to butter
pan
1 1/4 c Chopped pitted dates
1 tsp. Baking soda
1/4 c Granulated sugar
2 Eggs
1 1/4 c All purpose flour
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1 3/4 tsp. Baking powder
CARAMEL SAUCE
1/2 cup Butter
1/4 cup Whipping cream
1/2 cup Firm packed brown sugar PLUS
1 TBS. Firm packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
Procedure
TO PREPARE CAKE: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch round
baking pan with sides at least 2 inches high, such as a springform pan.
Place the dates in a saucepan and cover with water (about 1-1/2 cups).
Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cook for 3 minutes. Add the
baking soda (the mixture will foam) and set aside. In a bowl, cream the cut
up butter, sugar and eggs, adding the eggs one at a time. Gently mix in the
flour, salt and vanilla. Stowly stir in the baking powder and 1/4 cup of the
liquid from cooking the dates, until the cake mixture resembles thick
pancake batter. Drain off remainder of date cooking liquid and discard. Stir
in the dates. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until cooked in the center.
TO PREPARE CARAMEL SAUCE: Combine the butter, whipping cream, brown
sugar and vanilla. Bring to a boil; reduce to simmer, and cook for 3
minutes.
TO SERVE: Drizzle some of the sauce over the cake as it is cooling.
Serve the rest of the sauce separately. Makes 10 servings