1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2/3 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1 sm. box dates
8 oz. mixed fruit cake mix
1 c. chopped pecans
2 tbsp. orange juice

Mix sugar and butter well. Add beaten eggs. Mix fruit and nuts, dredge with small amount of flour. Beat flour into sugar mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Add fruits and nuts. Blend well. Pour into greased and floured 9x9 inch cake pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour or until cake tester comes out clean.

TOPPING:

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

Dissolve sugar in orange juice. Spoon juice over cake a few at a time while cake is warm until all is used. Cool cake in pan, then remove to plate.