Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce

Name: Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups packed pitted dates (about 10 ounces); 2 cups water; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 3/4 sticks (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; Accompaniment: vanilla ice cream