Figgy Pudding

 Figgy Pudding from Michelle Kossin

2 1/2 cups water

1 3/4 cups chopped dates or figs if in season

2 tsp Baking soda

1 stick butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 eggs

3 cups flour

2 tsp baking soda

preheat oven to 324. bring water to boil add chopped dtes and boil for 1 min. once boiled add 2 stp soad (careful the dtaes foam up quickly_ set the date mix aside and let cool. 

in the other bowl mix butter and sugar until smooht. beat in 4 eggs, pour in cooled date mix including the water and stir together. slowly mix in 3 busp flour and remaining 2 tsp baking soda until well combined

cook in steam bath with 2 9x12/13 pans with water in the bottom one and the whole thing covered in foil.  bake at 325 for 60-70 min. middle should be cooked through

caramel sauce: 

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 3/4 sticks butter

1 c heavy whipping cream

bring to boil, simmer for 4-5 min. Do NOT overcook