Instructions: Put the chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Then add the vanilla essence, coffee essence, and bicarbonate of soda and leave to one side.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar together until the mix is light and fluffy. Now gradually add the beaten eggs, a little at a time, beating constantly. Fold in the date mix.

Scoop the mix into 8 individual containers, place them on a baking tray and bake in the centre of the oven for 25 minutes. When cooked, leave them to cool for 5 minutes, then slide a palette knife around each and turn them out. Put the puddings in a shallow tin and place under the grill. Let them heat through for c.8 minutes and the tops will go brown and crunchy.

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