2 1/2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Sift together.

1 c. water
1/2 c. Crisco
1 stick butter
6 tbsp. cocoa

Boil together; let cool until warm. Mix with above mixture.

2 eggs
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla

Add to mixture; beat 2 minutes. Bake in 3 layers 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool 10 minutes. Take out of pans; frost with special frosting (below).

FROSTING:

1 c. evaporated milk or cream
1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 stick butter

Cook over boiling water, medium heat, to soft ball stage (thick).

2 egg yolks
1/2 c. chopped dates

Add egg yolks, beaten well. Then add dates.

1 1/2 c. coconut
1 c. nuts

Take off heat; add coconut and nuts. Spread on cake.