DATE PUDDING:

1 1/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. pecans, chopped
1 (8 oz.) pkg. dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling water
1/4 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg

WHITE SAUCE:

1 c. sugar
1/2 c. cold water
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 jigger sherry or bourbon (optional)

Sift and measure flour. Resift with baking powder and salt. Add nuts to flour mixture. Cut dates into small pieces. Add soda. Pour boiling water over this. Let stand. Cream butter until soft. Add sugar, gradually beating until fluffy. Add egg and continue beating until light. Combine flour mixture to butter mixture. Stir in date mixture. Pour into greased 8 inch square dish. Bake 1 hour at 300 degrees.

White sauce: Combine sugar, water and salt. Stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Let come to a boil. Cook stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Remove from stove: Add butter, vanilla and sherry or bourbon.

To serve: Cut slightly warmed pudding into squares. Pour about 2 tablespoons white sauce over pudding. Garnish with whipped topping and maraschino cherries.