Sticky toffee puddings

• 150 g pitted dates
• 1 ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 180 g water
• butter, for greasing

Sticky toffee sauce

• 60 g unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 60 g soft brown sugar
  or 60 g brown sugar
• 75 g golden syrup
  or 75 g honey
• 40 g full cream milk
• ¼ tsp natural vanilla extract
  or ½ tsp vanilla sugar, homemade

Sticky toffee puddings

• 40 g unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 110 g dark brown sugar
  or 110 g brown sugar
• 150 g plain flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 700 g water