Date Nut Mayonnaise Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch pan.

In a large bowl, mix dates, 1 teaspoon soda, and boiling water. Cool.

Add flour, 1 cup sugar, mayonnaise, and remaining 1 teaspoon soda. Use medium speed of mixer, and beat until mixture is well blended. Stir in nuts. Spread batter in prepared pan.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon sauce. Mix beaten egg and 1/4 cup water; place in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup sugar, butter or margarine, and lemon peel and juice. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Serve sauce over warm cake. Refrigerate any leftover sauce.