1/2 lb. butter
4 eggs
2 tbsp. orange peel
4 c. flour
1 lb. dates, cut up
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda, dissolved in 1 1/2 c. buttermilk
1 c. nuts

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add buttermilk and soda. Then add orange peel. Stir in flour. Add nuts and dates and mix well. Bake 3 to 3 1/2 hours in 250 degree oven, or until cake turns loose from pan. Use a tube pan.

TOPPING:

1 c. sugar
1 tsp. orange peel
1/2 c. orange juice

Bring to boil. Let simmer long enough to coat peel. Spoon over cake, punching holes in cake so topping will soak in.