Sticky date pudding

Instructions

1   Preheat oven to 180°C. Coat a 12-muffin tin with cooking oil spray.

2   Place dates and water in a medium saucepan and cook for 5 minutes, or until soft. Stir in vanilla essence and baking soda. Allow to cool.

3   Beat together spread and sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually add eggs. Stir in cooled date mixture. Fold in flour.

4   Spoon evenly into prepared muffin tin. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until the puddings spring back when touched. Cool in tin for 5 minutes.

5   To make the topping, melt the spread over a medium heat and add the sugar. Cook gently until it thickens a little. Drizzle over the warm puddings.