1 c. boiling water
1 c. chopped dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1/2 stick butter
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/3 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Mix soda in boiling water and pour over dates. Let stand. Cream butter and sugar; add egg and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients; add along with nuts to first mixture (butter and sugar). Add this to date mixture and pour into a 9 x 12 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees.

ICING:

1 c. sugar
1 c. whipping cream
6 tbsp. butter
Coconut (optional)

Mix sugar, cream and butter together. Boil 3 minutes, spread over cake. Sprinkle coconut over cake, if desired.