1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Greasei a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Line bottom with waxed paper or parchment.
3. Grease paper.
4. Place date pieces in a pot with water and bring to a boil.
5. Stiri in soda and set aside.
6. Creami butter then add sugar and beat until creamed.
7. Continue beating, adding eggs 2 at a time, mixing until fluffy, add vanilla.
8. Mixi in flour and baking powder, alternating with dates.
9. Bakei in a 325 degree oven until firm, about 40 to 45 minutes, cool in pan on a wire rack.
10. Invert cake onto rack; remove paper; invert cake again.
11. Cover and chill.
12. Cut out triangles.
13. Cover with sauce.
14. Warm to order-1 minute in microwave.
15. For sauce, add last 4 ingredients together and boil 3 minutes.
16. Garnishi with caramelized pears and dried pear chips.
17. Yield: 9 portions bakers" dozen gale gand show #bd1a32,.