Cream Together:
6 Tablespoons soft unsalted butter
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Eggs (medium)
1.5 teaspoons vanilla

Add:
1.5 cups all purpose flour
1.5 teaspoons Baking Powder
Mix on medium speed until blended, scraping down the sides.

Combine:
1 heaping cup of chopped dates
1.5 tablespoons all purpose flour
1.5 teaspons Baking Soda

Pour:
2 cups boiling water over the top and quickly mix.
Add immediately to the creamed mixture and blend together until just mixed.
The mixture will look very watery. Do not be concerned.

Divide among 16 well greased muffin tin cups or a 10-inch deep pie pan.
Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes or until puffed and brown. The pie tin will take about 30 minutes.
Serve warm with caramel sauce and whipped cream or ice cream. The pudding can be frozen and reheated.