1 c. shortening
1 3/4 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 grated orange rind
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. buttermilk
1 tbsp. orange juice (added to buttermilk)
3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. dates, cut fine
1 c. chopped nuts

Cream butter and sugar well. Add 1 egg at a time, beating after each. Sift dry ingredients together and add alternately with milk; add nuts, dates, orange rind and vanilla. Bake in tube pan, 1 hour at 350 degrees. Turn from pan and pour the sauce over it while both are still hot.

SAUCE:

1 grated orange rind
1 c. white sugar
1 c. orange juice
1 can coconut

Rub rind into sugar. Bring to a boiling point the rind, sugar and juice (do not boil). Add coconut and pour over hot cake.