1 c. boiling water
1 c. chopped dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1/2 stick of butter
1 egg, beaten
1 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Pour boiling water over dates and baking soda and let stand. Cream butter and sugar and beaten egg. Sift flour, baking powder and salt and stir into butter and sugar mixture. Add date mixture, beating well. Add vanilla and nuts. Pour into 9 x 11 greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

ICING:

5 tbsp. cream or half and half
2 tbsp. butter
5 tbsp. brown sugar, dark is best
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1/2 c. coconut, optional

Mix together in a pan and boil for 3 minutes stirring gently and prevent sticking. Spread on cake and sprinkle with nuts and coconut. Can be frozen.

Serves 12.