1 c. dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter
1 beaten egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/3 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/3 tsp. salt
1/3 c. finely chopped nuts

ICING:

5 tbsp. brown sugar
5 tbsp. cream
2 tbsp. butter

Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 cup chopped dates and 1 teaspoon baking soda; let stand while you mix the rest of the ingredients in the usual manner. Add the 2 mixtures and pour into a 9 x 12 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Icing: Boil 3 minutes and spread on cake. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or coconut. This is reportedly the only cake that the Queen herself makes. Please honor her request that this recipe be NOT passed on but sold for charitable purposes in the manner in which you acquired it.