Can use instant coffee instead of espresso. Pudding: Preheat oven to 350º. Butter 6, ¾ cup custard cups. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until combined. Add egg and beat 2 minutes. Sift in flour and baking powder and beat 1 minute. Mix boiling water, dates, espresso powder, vanilla and baking soda in metal bowl. Add to butter mixture; beat until well blended. Divide batter among prepared custard cups. Bake until golden brown and tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool 10 minutes.
Sauce: Meanwhile, bring all ingredients to simmer in heavy small pan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Simmer 3 minutes., stirring occasionally. Preheat broiler. Pour sauce over warm puddings. Broil until slightly caramelized, 2 minutes. Serve immediately. |
