Tipsy Tart

Another awesome South African dessert! Of course it adds no inches to the waistline....It's very easy to make and so delicious. We like it with custard and whipped cream, but I think next time we will try a scoop of cinnamon (or vanilla) ice cream!

8 oz pkg chopped dates, divide in half

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup boiling water

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup pecans or walnuts chopped (optional)

Syrup

1 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon butter

1/2 cup water

1 tsp. vanilla

pinch salt

1/2 cup brandy

Bring water and 1/2 of the dates to a boil in small saucepan, remove from heat, stir in baking soda- set aside.

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time,

add flour, baking powder, and salt, mix well.

stir in date mixture, add other half of dates and nuts if using.

Pour into 8 x 11 greased baking pan

Bake at 350 for 40 Minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Meanwhile prepare syrup:

Boil sugar, butter, water approx. 5 min. Remove from heat and add vanilla, salt and brandy.

Remove baking pan from oven; immediately carefully pour hot syrup over all.

Serve warm with fresh whipped cream, Ice cream or Custard. MMMMMM