1/2 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
3 eggs
2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp. orange extract
1 c. chopped dates
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1 tbsp. orange rind
Orange Frosting
Grated orange rind

Cream butter, shortening and sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beat well. Combine flour, soda and salt alternating with buttermilk. Beat at high speed of electric mixer for 3 minutes. Stir in last 4 ingredients. Pour into 3 greased and floured 9 inch pans. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool 10 minutes in pan then remove from pan. Frost when cool with Orange Frosting. Garnish with orange peel.

ORANGE FROSTING:

1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. butter
6 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. plus 1 to 2 tbsp. orange juice
1 tsp. orange extract
1 tsp. grated orange rind
2 drops red food coloring
3 to 4 drops yellow food coloring

Cream butter and sugar. Add remaining ingredients. Use more orange juice if needed to be spreadable.