Date-Topped Cake -

1 ts Soda

1 c Boiling water

1 1/2 c All-purpose flour

1 ts Baking powder

1/3 ts Salt

1 c Sugar

1 Egg; beaten

1 tb Butter or margarine; melted

--DATE TOPPING-- 1 c Sugar

2/3 c Boiling water

ds Salt 1 c Pitted dates; chopped

1/2 c Nuts; chopped

80inch baking pan. Bake in

55 minutes. Topping: Combine sugar, boiling water, salt, pitted dates and nuts. Pour over cake as soon as it comes from over. Let cake cool in pan. Serve warm or cold, topped with whipped cream, if desired. Makes

9 servings. --