Date Cake

6 servings

1 cup dried dates, rehydrated in 1 cup water

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 tablespoons softened butter

¾ cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking powder

1½ cup flour

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9" square baking dish. Rehydrate the dates in hot water. Add baking soda and puree in food processor.In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and mix well. Add the vanilla and baking powder. Mix in the date puree, then flour. Pour into baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted is free ofcake.Pour hot sauce (recipe below) overcake and serve with vanilla gelato and unsweetened whipped cream.

Sauce

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

Melt together until emulsified.