Sticky Date Banana Bread

Step 1: Grease a large loaf pan (top measures 14cm x 24cm) and line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 3cm above the sides of pan.

Step 2: Place dates, butter, sugar and 1/2 cup water in a large saucepan and stir over a medium heat until butter is melted and then bring to boil and gently boil for 1 minute.

Step 3: Remove from the heat and stir in soda and then let stand for 15 minutes to cool slightly and then stir in eggs and mashed banana.

Step 4: Sift flours and cinnamon into a large bowl and sake a well in the centre and add date mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until combined and then spoon into prepared pan.

Step 5: Arrange halved banana on top of cake mixture and sprinkle with macadamias.

Step 6: Cook in a moderately slow oven (160C) for about 1 hour, or until cooked when tested with a skewer.

Step 7: Remove from oven and stand in pan for 20 minutes and then turn onto a wire rack to cool.

Step 8: To make caramel, stir sugar and cream in a large saucepan over a medium heat until sugar is dissolved and then bring to boil and gently boil, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Step 9: Remove from heat and stir in salt and st aside for 45 minutes, or until thickened.

Step 10: Serve sliced banana bread with warm salted caramel and ice-cream.