Camp Oven Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel

Camp Oven Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Camp oven sticky date pudding with caramel sauce is a timeless dessert that has found its place in the hearts and taste buds of outdoor cooking enthusiasts. This article delves into the origins and evolution of this delightful treat, showcasing its journey from a humble dessert to a beloved feature of Australian bush cooking.

The Origins: A Classic British Dessert Reimagined

The sticky date pudding, initially known as sticky toffee pudding, has its roots in British cuisine. This classic dessert has been adapted and embraced by Australian cooks, particularly in the context of outdoor and camp oven cooking.

• British Heritage: Sticky toffee pudding originated in England in the mid-20th century. Made with dates, the dessert is renowned for its rich, moist texture and complementary caramel sauce.
• Key Ingredients: The primary ingredients include dates, which lend the pudding its signature sweetness and moistness, and a luscious caramel sauce that enhances the overall decadence of the dish.
• Adaptation in Australia: As British culinary traditions were introduced to Australia, sticky date pudding quickly became a favourite. The dessert was adapted to local tastes and ingredients, and making it in a camp oven became a natural extension of its popularity.

**Example:** British immigrants brought their cherished sticky date pudding recipes to Australia, where the dessert was enthusiastically adopted and adapted to fit the local culinary landscape.

Camp Ovens: Ideal for Baking in the Bush

The camp oven, or Dutch oven, is an essential tool for preparing sticky date pudding in an outdoor setting. Its versatility and durability make it well-suited for this type of baking.

• Even Heat Distribution: Cast iron camp ovens provide even heat distribution, which is crucial for baking desserts like sticky date pudding. This ensures that the pudding bakes uniformly and maintains its rich, moist texture.
• Durability and Versatility: Camp ovens are highly durable and versatile, making them perfect for a variety of cooking methods, including baking, roasting, and stewing, particularly in outdoor conditions.
• Enhanced Flavour: Baking in a camp oven over an open fire imparts a subtle, smoky undertone to the pudding, adding an additional layer of flavour to the dessert.

**Example:** Using a camp oven to bake sticky date pudding allows outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a gourmet-quality dessert while experiencing the authenticity of traditional bush cooking.

Sticky Date Pudding and Caramel Sauce: A Perfect Pairing

The combination of sticky date pudding and caramel sauce is what makes this dessert truly special. Each component enhances and complements the other, creating a harmonious and indulgent experience.

• Sticky Date Pudding: The pudding itself is made with dates, which give it a natural sweetness and rich, dense texture. The dates break down during baking, infusing the pudding with their flavour and moisture.
• Caramel Sauce: The caramel sauce is a buttery, sugary topping that pairs perfectly with the sticky date pudding. Its sweet, creamy consistency contrasts with the texture of the pudding, creating a balanced and indulgent dessert.
• Textural Harmony: The combination of the dense, moist pudding and the smooth, rich caramel sauce results in a dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated, appealing to a wide range of palates.

**Example:** The rich, dense texture of the sticky date pudding, complemented by the smooth, sweet caramel sauce, makes this dessert a favourite choice for both formal occasions and casual outdoor meals.

A Dessert that Celebrates Tradition and Innovation

Camp oven sticky date pudding with caramel sauce is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of culinary tradition and innovation, blending the best of both worlds.

• Community and Connection: Preparing and sharing this dessert in an outdoor setting fosters a sense of community and brings people together to enjoy a sweet, indulgent treat in nature.
• Cultural Significance: This dessert represents the fusion of British culinary traditions with Australian bush cooking methods, reflecting the dynamic and multicultural nature of Australian cuisine.
• Innovation and Skill: By adapting a classic British dessert to a camp oven setting, cooks can honour traditional ingredients and techniques while embracing the innovative spirit of outdoor cooking.

**Example:** Enjoying camp oven sticky date pudding with caramel sauce under the stars allows diners to appreciate both the culinary artistry

Camp Oven Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel

Camp Oven Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel is a delightful and indulgent dessert, perfect for a memorable camping experience. This classic dessert features a rich, moist sponge infused with dates, topped with a luscious caramel sauce. Follow this recipe to create a crowd-pleasing treat by the campfire.

Ingredients for Sticky Date Pudding

• 200 grams (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) boiling water
• 60 grams (2 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 grams / 5.3 oz) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (150 grams / 5.3 oz) self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Ingredients for Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup (220 grams / 7.8 oz) brown sugar
• 1 cup (250 ml) thickened cream (heavy cream)
• 125 grams (4.4 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Equipment

• Camp oven (Dutch oven), approximately 4.5 litres (5 quarts)
• Heat-resistant tongs
• Fire gloves
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heatproof pudding basin or cake tin that fits inside your camp oven
• Baking paper and aluminium foil

Instructions

1. Preparing the Campfire

• Set up your campfire or portable gas burner. Ensure you have enough coals or a steady flame to maintain consistent heat.
• Place the camp oven over medium heat to preheat for about 10 minutes with the lid on.

2. Preparing the Dates

• Place the chopped dates and bicarbonate of soda in a mixing bowl.
• Pour over the boiling water and let it stand for 15 minutes to soften the dates.

3. Making the Pudding Batter

• In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the self-raising flour and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Fold in the softened dates along with their soaking liquid.

4. Baking the Pudding

• Grease the heatproof pudding basin or cake tin, then line the bottom with baking paper.
• Pour the batter into the prepared basin or tin.
• Cover tightly with a layer of baking paper and a layer of aluminium foil to prevent water from entering.
• Place a trivet or some stones at the bottom of the camp oven to raise the pudding basin off the direct heat.
• Add enough water to the camp oven to reach halfway up the sides of the basin or tin.
• Cover the camp oven with its lid and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Steam the pudding for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Check the water level occasionally and top up if necessary.

5. Making the Caramel Sauce

• In a separate saucepan, combine the brown sugar, thickened cream, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.
• Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and combined.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.