1 c. boiling water
1 c. chopped dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. shortening
1 c. granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. walnuts

Add soda to dates. Pour boiling water over dates, let cool. Cream shortening, add sugar, cream well. Beat in egg, vanilla and salt. Add flour, baking powder and nuts alternately with the date mixture. Bake in greased and floured pan 9x13 inches for 1/2 hour at 350 degrees.

ICING:

1/2 c. brown sugar
5 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. coffee cream or evaporated milk
3/4 c. coconut

Mix all ingredients and boil for 3 minutes. Pour over hot cake and brown in oven.