1 cup boiling water
1 (7 oz.) pkg. chopped dates
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts
confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour 1 cup boiling water over dates and set aside to plump.

Cream butter and sugar; add date mixture and beaten eggs.

Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add to butter and date mixture. Batter will NOT be stiff. Stir in chopped nuts.

Bake in greased 9x13-inch pan at 350°F for 25 minutes. Sprinkle cooled cake with confectioners' sugar and cut into bars.

Variation: Serve in cake sized portions with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream.

Submitted by: Lena Bratton