I am Your Sunshine

(modification: 1/2 of dates, less baking time)

pre heat over to 360f

200g dried dates (Medjool) , stoned and chopped
250ml black tea (not too strong)
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

Put the dates and tea in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes to soften the dates. Stir in the bicarbonate of soda. Set aside.

85g unsalted butter , softened
175g golden caster sugar (superfine)

Beat the butter and caster sugar together with electric beaters until pale and creamy

2 eggs , beaten
½ tsp vanilla extract

Gradually add vanilla extract and eggs to the mixture and continue beating

175g self-raising flour (1 cup flour, 0.5teaspoon salt, 1.5 teaspoon baking powder)

Turn the beaters down to a slow speed and add the self-raising flour, a spoon at a time. Beat until all the ingredients are well combined.

Fold in the date mixture and pour into a buttered ovenproof dish or brownie tin.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is just firm to touch.

Toffee Sauce:
50g brown sugar
50g unsalted butter
70ml double cream

putting the sugar, butter and cream in a pan over a low heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Cook until the sauce is a lovely toffee colour.