2. Method 1-4 (Sponge)

Sponge

1.Set your oven to 180 C/Gas mark 4 

2.De-stone & chop your dates, in a measuring jug add 275ml of boiling water and add the chopped dates and set aside until lukewarm.
 

3.Meanwhile in a large bowl add all your other sponge ingredients (Bicarb, butter (cut into small pieces), demerara sugar, molasses sugar, 2 eggs, self-raising flour, pinch of salt,  & vanilla extract or paste).
  
4.Mix together until well combined, once your dates & water are lukewarm them add them also & combine.