1 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. Crisco shortening
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
1/4 lb. dates, chopped
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt

Pour boiling water over dates and soda; let stand while mixing batter. Cream sugar and shortening. Add egg and beat again. Add flour and salt alternately with soda and date mixture. Add vanilla. Pour into greased and floured 9 1/2 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

BROILED ICING:

4 tbsp. butter, melted
2 tbsp. milk
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. coconut plus 1/2 c. nuts

Blend and spread over top of cake. Broil icing until lightly brown. Cool before serving. Do not remove from pan.