2 c. sugar
4 eggs
2 c. pecans
2 tsp. grated orange peel
1/2 c. buttermilk or mix 1/2 tsp. vinegar with 1/2 c. milk, if you don't have buttermilk
1 c. shortening
3 1/2 c. flour
1 pkg. dates
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream sugar and shortening, add eggs, one at a time, add (2 cups) flour, salt and soda alternately then milk. Add dates, nuts and orange peel to remaining flour in small bowl, mix good, then add to other ingredients. Mix well and pour into 13"x9" greased and floured pan, bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.

ORANGE GLAZE:

2 c. sugar
2 tsp. grated orange peel
1 1/2 c. orange juice

Mix and set aside while cake is baking. Have ready to put on cake when it is taking out of oven. Take hot cake and punch holes with big pronged fork or ice pick, then pour the glaze over the cake while it's still hot, pouring slowly, you may have to add more holes keep pouring until all glaze is used.