1hr 25min · 8 servings Ingredients • 2 cups pitted dates, finely sliced • 250ml water • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • Cooking oil spray, for greasing • 100g unsalted butter, chopped, softened • ¾ cup caster sugar • 2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten • 1 cup self-raising flour, sifted • ½ cup almond meal • 1 tsp mixed spice • 825g pear halves in syrup, drained • Toasted flaked almonds, to garnish • Vanilla ice-cream, to serve Butterscotch sauce • 300ml thickened cream • 150g unsalted butter, chopped • 1 cup brown sugar Method • Combine sliced dates and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil, then turn off heat. Immediately stir in bicarb, letting mixture foam slightly. Set aside for 15 minutes to cool. • Preheat oven to 180C fan-forced (200C conventional). Grea