1 c. boiling water
1 c. chopped dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Pour the boiling water over the dates and soda, let stand while mixing the cake. Cream sugar and butter. Add beaten egg and vanilla, then sifted flour, baking powder and salt. Fold in nuts and the date mixture.

Stir well and bake in greased 9 x 13 inch pan at 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes. While cake is still warm, spread with icing made by boiling for 3 minutes. 5 tbsp. cream or milk 2 tbsp. butter

Sprinkle with coconut and/or chopped nuts.