1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 1/3 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
4 c. flour
2 tbsp. grated orange rind
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cut dates
1 c. pecans

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Dissolve soda in buttermilk. Add sifted flour in 3 parts alternately with buttermilk. Beat until smooth after each addition. Add orange rind, dates, and nuts. Bake in tube pan 1 1/2 hours at 325 degrees. Pour sauce over warm cake and allow to cool in pan.

SAUCE:

1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. orange juice
2 tbsp. grated orange rind

Combine and stir until sugar is completely dissolved.