1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 1/3 c. buttermilk
4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. grated orange rind
1 lb. dates, cut fine
1 c. pecans, chopped

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Dissolve soda in milk. Add sifted flour in about 3 parts to butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Beat until smooth after each addition. Add orange rind, dates and nuts which have dusted with flour. Bake in tube pan about 1 1/2 hours at 325 degrees.

When cake is done, leave in pan and pour sauce over it when done and allow to cool.

SAUCE FOR DATE NUT CAKE:

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

Stir and beat until sugar is dissolved. Do not heat.