CAKE:

1/2 lb. dates (chopped)
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. nuts
1 c. sugar

ICING:

1/2 lb. dates
1/2 c. nuts
3/4 c. water
1/2 c. sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease shallow pan. Cover dates with 1 cup hot water. Add soda. Let stand until rest is ready. Set aside.

Mix the remaining ingredients with the date mixture. Bake in shallow pan 30 to 35 minutes.

Icing: Cook all icing ingredients together until thick. Spread on cooled cake. Serve with whipped cream if desired.