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

In a large bowl at medium speed, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Sift dry ingredients. Add orange rind, dates and nuts. Stir just until mixed and pour into 2 loaf pans that have been greased.

Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until done. Remove from oven and poke holes in top of bread. While hot, pour sauce over top and let completely soak in before removing from pans.

SAUCE:

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

Heat to boiling to dissolve sugar and pour over bread while hot. This bread freezes well.