1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. shortening
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
3 c. flour
1 c. milk
3 tbsp. cocoa
1-2 c. pecans
1 c. dates
2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs together. Sift flour and cocoa together. Add pecans, dates, milk and vanilla; mix well. Pour into 3 greased and floured pans. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until done.

FILLING:

1 lg. can crushed pineapple
2 c. sugar
2 c. raisins

Combine ingredients and cook until thick. Spread between layers.

ICING:

6 tbsp. butter
4 tbsp. can milk
4 tbsp. cocoa
1 - 1 1/2 boxes powdered sugar

Mix and frost top and sides of cake. Decorate with pecan halves and date halves and cherries.