6 1/2 oz. pkg. dates, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 c.)
1 c. hot water
1/4 c. butter or shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. cake flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9" x 9" x 1 3/4" pan. Pour hot water over dates. Cool. Combine shortening, sugar, egg, vanilla in mixing bowl. Beat 5 minutes on high speed. Sift together flour, soda and salt. On low speed add alternately in 4 additions with date mixture. Add nuts. Bake 40 to 45 minutes. Serve with whipped cream.