Queen Elizabeth Cake I

Ingredients

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup cream

Directions

Pour boiling water over dates in a small bowl, and let stand until cool.

Measure flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and nuts into a small bowl. Stir to mix.

Cream 1/4 cup butter or margarine and white sugar together in a mixing bowl; beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture in three parts alternately with date mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with dry mixture. Spread batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.

To Make Topping: Mix coconut, brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Boil for three minutes. Spread over warm cake, and brown under broiler.