Monday, 1 October 2012

Cape Brandy Pudding/Tart

We had friends around for dinner on Friday and I decided to make a dish that we have not had for sometime.  I cannot imagine why I have not made it recently, as it is delicious, and I thought that I should share it with you.  If you don't touch alcohol, it's time to stop reading right here!!!!

 I have been using this recipe for donkey's years and I have no idea where it came from originally, but I first published it some years ago on my own website.  

 http://www.recipe.nidi.org.uk/

 Cape Brandy Pudding/Tart

250gr (8.8oz) dates stoned
1 teasp bicarb
1 cup boiling water
115 gr (4 oz) butter
200 gr (7 oz) sugar
2 eggs beaten
240 gr (8.5 oz) flour
1 teasp baking powder
½ teasp salt
1 cup chopped walnuts

For the syrup

250 gr  (8.8 oz) sugar
15 gr (½ oz)  butter
¾ cup water
1 teasp vanilla
Pinch salt
½ cup brandy

Chop the dates and divide into 2 equal portions. Add the bicarb to one half and pour the cup of boiling water over. Stir to mix and leave to cool. Cream together the butter and the sugar, add the beaten eggs and mix well. Sieve the flour, baking powder and salt and fold into the butter mixture. Add the second portion of dates together with the nuts. Stir in the dates and bicarb mixture and mix thoroughly.

Turn mixture into a large oven proof dish.   Bake for 40 – 50 mins at 180ºC (350F).

Meanwhile, make the syrup. Heat the sugar, butter and water together for 5 mins. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla essence, salt and brandy. Pour the syrup over the hot tart when it is taken from the oven and allow it all to soak in.

Serve hot or cold with crème fraiche, cream or custard.

ENJOY!
Sorry this was all that was left when I remembered to take a photo!!!




 
See also - My Life Before Charente updated  1 October 2012 

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95 comments:

  1. Joyful1 October 2012 at 11:41

    I can see that the dish was a huge success! The proof is in the eating ;-)

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 11:53

      Joyful not sure what the alcoholic proof was but they were worried about driving afterwards :-) Have a good week Diane

      Delete
  2. diane b1 October 2012 at 11:53

    It is making my mouth water reading this. I will be puting this in my recipe file.

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 12:18

      diane b, I am sure that you will nor regret it LOL. Enjoy your week, Diane

      Delete
  3. Mickle in NZ1 October 2012 at 12:31

    Just the way to warm yourselves up in Autumn, though I'd be leaving out the walnuts as I just don't like them. I thoroughly approve of the brandy - of both the quantity and that it isn't added until after the lovely sauce is cooked!

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 13:22

      Michelle if you do not like nuts then best left out, but they give it a crunchy texture which is good. Yes the brandy added after is good as it does not cook out the alcohol :-) Take care and enjoy your week. Hugs to you both Diane

      Delete
  4. Jean1 October 2012 at 12:39

    Wow, this looks like a perfect pudding for the time of year. No wonder there was hardly any left. Thanks for the recipe !!

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 13:24

      Jean I am sure that you and Nick will really enjoy this dish and so good on a cold day. Take care, Diane

      Delete
  5. Quay Po Cooks1 October 2012 at 12:42

    I don't blame you, I wouldn't have remember to take the photo also with a delicious pudding.

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 13:26

      Quay Po Cooks, ha ha it just vanished under my eyes and then I suddenly thought camera... Have a good week Diane

      Delete
  6. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen1 October 2012 at 12:51

    If I had been at your table, I would have devoured this. No wonder you didn't have time for a photo!
    Sam

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 13:27

      Sam I just did not think quick enough, but at least it shows how good it was LOL. Keep well Diane

      Delete
  7. Jane and Lance Hattatt1 October 2012 at 12:55

    Hello Diane:
    This is exactly the kind of real pudding which we so much enjoy and which is rarely obtainable unless, like your friends on Friday evening, one is fortunate to be invited to dinner at the home of someone, such as yourself, who is also an excellent and imaginative cook.

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 13:30

      Jane and Lance, thanks for the very kind comment. This dish is very popular in South Africa but I have never had it anywhere else, not counting my own home! have a good week. Diane

      Delete
  8. Ola1 October 2012 at 14:01

    lovely! I am hungry now!
    Blog about life and travelling
    Blog about cooking

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 21:10

      Ola he he I am trying to make you put on weight. Take care Diane

      Delete
  9. Leon Sims1 October 2012 at 14:44

    Yum!

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 21:11

      I am quite sure you would both love this dish, it really is yummy. Have a good week. Diane

      Delete
  10. Vera1 October 2012 at 14:54

    The shop bought ice cream I have just had for my dessert is not a patch on this gorgeous dessert of yours! I like your recipes, Diane, because they are simple, and easy to make. I shall make this one, and methinks I shall eat most of it myself! (I am a bit of a piglet when it comes to tasty puddings)

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 21:12

      Vera this is very hard to stop eating once you start, I try not to eat all day before and then all day after to compensate LOL. Have a good week Diane

      Delete
  11. Amelia1 October 2012 at 15:56

    Hi Diane, how are you? Looking at your almost empty dish ...your pudding must be extremely good. Love the combination of walnuts and dates.

    Have a nice week ahead, regards.

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    1. Diane1 October 2012 at 21:13

      Amelai I was very lucky to get a photo at all that bit also vanished just afterwards!! Take care Diane

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  12. Phil in the Kitchen1 October 2012 at 23:02

    Absolutely delicious. I don't have a lot of trouble touching alcohol. I'm afraid I can be a bit of a recipe nerd and so the thought of where this recipe might come from has made me particularly nerdish. It does appear to be based on Francis Coulson's original Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe from the 1960s. I don't think that had walnuts - the first time I saw walnuts added was when Gary Rhodes made a version sometime in the 1980s. The original sauce was very, very rich with lots of double cream and I definitely prefer your syrup. I'd love to know who first added brandy, though. Sorry, I'll stop being nerdish now.

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 05:52

      Phil traditional Cape Brandy Pudding has been a part of South African culinary heritage since the first people landed I think at the Cape and made brandy :-) They had good taste. Have a great week Diane

      Delete
    2. Phil in the Kitchen2 October 2012 at 22:57

      This got me thinking that the allegedly unknown origins of British sticky toffee pudding might actually be South African. But then I found some date pudding recipes with sweet sauces going back to the 17th century, so I think it's probably too complicated for me to think about any more.

      Delete
    3. Diane3 October 2012 at 10:16

      Just enjoy the results methinks!

      Delete
  13. Rosaria Williams2 October 2012 at 01:01

    A pudding/cake tart with a brandy topping? It sounds/looks scrumptious!
    I can't wait to try it.

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 05:53

      rosaria I am sure you will love this as much as we do :-) hic. Take care Diane

      Delete
  14. Horst in Edmonton2 October 2012 at 03:15

    Mmmm, that cake really looks yummy.

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 05:56

      Horst it not only looks it...... Take care Diane

      Delete
  15. Marco Luijken2 October 2012 at 10:44

    Hmmm.. Diane, that looks delicious!!
    Very nice to see how enterprising you are, to make all those delicious things.
    It is that you do not live near me, otherwise I would have liked a piece to taste,..hihi..!!

    Many greetings and have a nice day,
    Marco

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 13:15

      Marco Alpha you would have been very welcome, pity that you are not closer:-) Keep well Diane

      Delete
  16. Anne2 October 2012 at 10:57

    This looks so delicious Diane! A real Autumnal bake:) Have a lovely week.
    ~Anne

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 13:20

      Thanks Anne, this pudding is delicious and great for this cooler weather that we are having now. Take care Diane

      Delete
  17. Nadji2 October 2012 at 11:54

    La photo prouve que la tarte est délicieuse puisqu'il n'en reste pratiquement plus rien.
    J'ai des dattes. Je note.
    A bientôt

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 13:22

      Nadji, J'ai failli rater la photo complètement! Bonne journée. A bientôt. Diane

      Delete
  18. Sara Louise2 October 2012 at 12:47

    This looks so delicious and rich!

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 13:23

      Sara it is good and oh so yummy :-) Take care Diane

      Delete
  19. PCovi 2 October 2012 at 13:40

    How moist!! My mother loves cakes with fruit cooked in. I love dates!

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 16:57

      Auntie Bliss, So long as she likes alcohol as well she will enjoy this :-) Take care Diane

      Delete
  20. Cuisine de Provence2 October 2012 at 16:29

    OMG how sinful is this....YUM!

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 16:58

      Cuisine de Provence, think this is why I do not make it that often because we cannot stop eating it!!! Mmmmmm just thinking about it.... Take care Diane

      Delete
  21. GaynorB2 October 2012 at 17:13

    I'm not too keen on brandy but your cake looks like it would be delicious without the brandy!

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 17:41

      Gaynor I somehow do not think so....... Take care Diane

      Delete
  22. My name is Riet2 October 2012 at 19:22

    That sounds and looks Delicious. Great recipe.

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 21:26

      Riet this is one of the best :-) Take care Diane

      Delete
  23. Pame Recetas2 October 2012 at 19:49

    DEAR DIANE, THIS IS A VERY RICH CAKE, BUT PERFECT FOR AN AUTUMN OR WINTER EVENING. I LOVED IT. TAKE CARE MY FRIEND

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    1. Diane2 October 2012 at 21:27

      Pamela, rich maybe but oh so yummy :-)) Enjoy your evening. Diane

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  24. Pam2 October 2012 at 22:48

    YUM! I think it looks delicious.

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 10:24

      Pam it not only looks it the taste is awesome. Have a good day Diane

      Delete
  25. Catherine2 October 2012 at 22:59

    What a delicious dessert. I love old recipes. They don't skimp on any ingredients.
    I understand why that is all that was left. Blessings, Catherine

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 10:25

      Catherine I often do my own thing with recipes but not this one, it is perfect as it is! Thanks for your visit, have a good day Diane

      Delete
  26. Marjie2 October 2012 at 23:36

    I made something like this, but with raisins, a while back. I don't remember what it's called, but I do remember the bicarb mixed with the fruit. It's divine for fall or winter! Yours is beautiful.

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 10:26

      Marjie I have a couple of recipes with fruit mixed with bicarb but this is by far the best! Have a good day Diane

      Delete
  27. Gloria Baker3 October 2012 at 01:44

    oh dear Diane this look absolutely amazing!! yummy !! take care:)

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 10:27

      Gloria it is amazing :-)) Keep well Diane

      Delete
  28. Kerry3 October 2012 at 01:46

    Now that looks absolutely delicious. I'm definitely going to be making this. Thanks for sharing the recipe x

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 10:28

      Kerry hope that you had a good holiday. This is certainly not a recipe to miss hic :-) Take care, Diane

      Delete
  29. Deana Sidney3 October 2012 at 02:10

    Mmm. This went into my dessert file right away... Love those boozy desserts and this one is a real keeper... and one that's hard to shoot since I would want to eat every morsel.

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 10:29

      lostpastremembered I am sure you will not regret making this recipe, the best part is the alcohol is not cooked out of the brandy! Enjoy your day Diane

      Delete
  30. Noushka3 October 2012 at 12:11

    Mmmmm!
    Looks really yummy!
    That is a recipe I would love to try, especially after so many hours in hides!
    Much love Diane, take care and enjoy the last of your garden!
    Cheers!

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 21:27

      Ha ha Noushka this will really warm you up after sitting still for hours on end, cheeers! Have a good evening and take care, Diane xx

      Delete
  31. Anonymous3 October 2012 at 13:32

    Diane, I have never had a recipe like this before but dates and brandy sound like a lovely combination.

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 21:32

      backroadjournal I am sure that you would make this again and again once you have tried it :-) Have a good day Diane

      Delete
  32. chow and chatter3 October 2012 at 18:04

    love this tart lucky friend s

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 21:33

      Rebecca as you can see it went down very well!! Thanks for the comment take care Diane

      Delete
  33. Unknown3 October 2012 at 19:19

    Sounds delicious, a delightful fall treat! The picture tells how good it was!

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    1. Diane3 October 2012 at 21:34

      The Café Sucré Farine you are so right the photo is a complete give away!! Keep well, Diane

      Delete
  34. Ellie3 October 2012 at 21:03

    I can just imagine how delicious this was - thanks for sharing :)
    So nice to hear that your fil makes his marmalade with these tinned oranges. Here's hoping I get as much success as he does - wish me luck and I'll let you know :)

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    1. Diane4 October 2012 at 10:01

      Ellie looking forward to hearing how the marmalade went. I made quince jelly yesterday but think this batch has set a bit firm, never mind it still tastes good! Take care Diane

      Delete
  35. Friko3 October 2012 at 22:38

    Sounds like the perfect pudding for a winter's night supper party. I shall have to try it.

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    1. Diane4 October 2012 at 10:06

      Friko I am sure that you will enjoy, it is very good. Diane

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  36. Anne in Oxfordshire3 October 2012 at 22:56

    Hi Diane, I carried on reading ..ha ha , love Brandy. I am sure it is delicious :-) xx

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    1. Diane4 October 2012 at 10:02

      Anne It seems most people carried on reading LOL. I will make it for you when you come to visit :-) Keep well Diane xx

      Delete
  37. Mary Bergfeld5 October 2012 at 04:51

    This sounds wonderful and it looks delicious. It has that old-fashioned goodness and appeal that the newer desserts just can't match. I know I'd love this. It sounds like you are feeling better. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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    1. Diane5 October 2012 at 13:28

      Mary the shingles is much improved but the cough will not go away. Apparently I have damaged bronchi from 2 doses of pneumonia. I am still on treatment, but it is very slow.
      This dessert is really I think top of my list :-) Take care Diane

      Delete
  38. Fat Dormouse5 October 2012 at 09:36

    Mr FD hates dates, so I'm not sure that would go down too well in the Dormousehold. But it doers look delicious!

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    1. Diane5 October 2012 at 13:36

      Fat Dormouse it is a good job FD hates dates as this is certainly not a good recipe for dieting!! Keep well Diane

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  39. Diane5 October 2012 at 13:38

    Come At Me Bro how right you are!!! Thanks so much for your visit and comment Take care Diane

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  40. Anonymous5 October 2012 at 15:59

    That tart looks might tasty! And the recipe is simple enough that even I could make it.

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    1. Diane5 October 2012 at 21:11

      Stephen that is what I have told my husband. Make this at a dinner party and I promise you it will be the talk of the evening. Diane

      Delete
  41. Dolly5 October 2012 at 22:30

    Your photo has me literally drooling on the keyboard! It looks and sounds absolutely delish with all that brandy.

    Have a great weekend Diane.

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    1. Diane6 October 2012 at 09:50

      Dolly, ha ha, remind me to make it for you when you come to stay. You have a fantastic weekend as well. Take care Diane

      Delete
  42. tinyskillet6 October 2012 at 22:12

    Diane, the photo says it all! No need for another one! :D It actually looks as good as it sounds, now I just need to taste it!

    I miss you, I hope I can be back for more soon.

    Cheers,
    Lyndsey

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    1. Diane7 October 2012 at 14:22

      Lyndsey this really was good and I have no idea why I have not made it for a while. Hope that you soon have a computer of your own and a little more time. Keep well Diaen

      Delete
  43. Unknown7 October 2012 at 14:17

    It looks delicious! I would gladly have a piece now! :-)

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    1. Diane7 October 2012 at 14:23

      JM Let me know where to send it LOL Have a good day Diane

      Delete
  44. Hélène (Cannes)9 October 2012 at 08:45

    I love puddings ... and this one looks so scrumptious ! Thank you Diane ...

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    1. Diane9 October 2012 at 11:14

      Hélène this is a very special pudding, I am sure you would love it :-)) Keep well Diane

      Delete
  45. Chubskulit Rose11 October 2012 at 14:23

    Now, that really looks tempting! I like tarts of any kinds!

    PS... I apologize for not visiting often, so busy with DIY projects hehehe. Your comment is always appreciated!

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    1. Diane11 October 2012 at 22:04

      Chubskulit Rose I know the feeling well, the days are just not long enough!!! Thanks for taking the time out to comment. Diane

      Delete
  46. lena11 October 2012 at 18:15

    your pudding looks wonderful! i can understand why you almost forgot to take pictures of that! i really dont mind a little alcohol in my bakes

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    1. Diane11 October 2012 at 22:07

      Lena this is a very special pudding and because the brandy is added afterwards there is no mistaking that it has been added ! Take care Diane

      Delete
  47. Hilary Melton-Butcher12 October 2012 at 13:55

    Hi Diane .. Whenever I see 'Cape' my heart reaches out to South Africa .. and this sounds just one of those recipes - delicious looking, and by the little left tasting too ... !! Cheers Hilary

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    1. Diane12 October 2012 at 17:35

      Hilary I think once S.A gets into your blood stream it never lets go, my heart spends a lot of time over there despite being very happy in France. This pud is amaaaaaaazing!! Cheers Diane

      Delete

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