1 1/2 c. chopped dates
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. boiling water
1/2 c. butter
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour boiling water over dates and soda; set aside. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; add vanilla. Combine date mixture and sugar mixture. Add flour and blend thoroughly. Stir in nuts. Pour into a 9"x13"x2" greased sheet pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Flavor is enhanced if cake is aged for a day or so. Dust top of cake with powdered sugar while warm or serve with whipped topping sprinkled with chopped nuts. A real treat when served with ice cream or Cafe Au Lait.