Irish Sticky Pudding

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   PUDDING:

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   Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter inside of baking dish. Combine dates, baking soda, and 2/3 cup boiling water in a medium size bowl. In a standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment, add dark brown sugar and 5 tablespoons of softened butter. Mix together on medium low (until just mixed) for about 1 minute. Add molasses and vanilla until just combined. Add the date mixture until just combined. In the buttered baking dish evenly distribute the mixture. Bake about 35 minutes. Insert a butter knife into center to check for doneness. Knife should come out clean.

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   TO MAKE TOFFEE SAUCE:

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   Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk in light brown sugar. Cook until instant-read thermometer reaches 250 degrees. Slowly whisk in cream and salt and bring to simmer. Remove from heat and place in a glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap.

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   TO SERVE:

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   Let pudding cool. Cut the pudding into squares and add to individual serving plates. Pour the warm toffee sauce over each pudding (NOTE: Toffee Sauce can be microwaved for a few seconds to reheat, if desired).

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   Serve with a teaspoon of Irish whiskey over the pudding and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a spectacular presentation, light pudding at the table. BE CAREFUL NOT TO SINGE THE GUEST.

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