Warm Sticky Figgy Pudding

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
• Ice cream or whipped cream, for garnish
• 2 eggs
• Fresh figs, quartered, for garnish
• Vanilla ice cream, optional
• Whipped heavy cream, optional
• 1 1/2 cups chopped dried pitted dates
• Butter, for coating ramekins
• 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 200 grams (7-ounces or 14 tablespoons) butter
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 75 grams (2 1/2-ounces) dark chocolate, grated
• 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces or 7 tablespoons) butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar