Sticky date puddings

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C, fan 140°C, gas mark 3. Put the dates, apple and 225ml water in a medium pan, set over a low heat and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until soft. Leave to cool slightly, then transfer to a food processor or blender. Add the vanilla extract and blitz until smooth then transfer to a medium bowl.
2. Stir egg yolks into the date mixture then sift in the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt and gently stir to combine.
3. In a large, clean bowl, whisk the egg whites using a hand-held electric whisk until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whitesinto the date mixture until combined.
4. Divide the date syrup between 6 pudding moulds, then top up each mould with the date batter. Transfer the puddings to a deep roasting tin then carefully pour enough boiled water into the tin to reach halfway up the sides of the moulds. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
5. Turn the puddings out onto individual serving plates and serve warm.