Step #1
(Makes 1 tray, 20 - 22 portions) Place the chopped dates, bicarbonate of soda and boiling water into a bowl, mix well and allow to cool.
Step #2
Line a 19x28cm (7½x11 inches) oblong tray with baking parchment.
Step #3
Add the cake mix and vegetable oil to the cooled date mixture and mix well. Add the pear cubes and mix well.
Step #4
Pour the cake batter into the tin. Bake in a preheated oven 190°C (375°F, Gas Mark 5) for 45-50 minutes until firm to the touch.
Step #5
Leave in the tray to cool for 10 minutes before turning out to cool completely.
Step #6
Mix the water with the icing sugar to form a thin smooth icing. Pour the icing over the cooled ginger cake. Melt the chocolate over a bowl of simmering water and drizzle diagonally over the icing.
