Date Cake

As many of you know, or may not know, I get my love of cooking from my Mom (and Grandma--my Mom's Mom). I am blessed and so grateful that my Mom (and Dad!) live in Richmond just about 10 minutes from our home. Mom and Dad often invite us over for dinner, and we try to have them over, too. My Mom is always making something and sharing it with me as well. For my nephews 1st birthday this past weekend she made date cake. She was so sweet to leave me a few pieces to take home and enjoy. I have a HUGE love for dates (as does she). After taking a bite of this cake, it is now in my top 3 favorite cakes ever. YUM. This is an old but delicious recipe said to be Queen Elizabeth's favorite cake. My Mom got the recipe from my Nana (who was also a good cook). The cake only has a 1/4 cup of butter, yet it is so moist and melts in your mouth. This is a perfect light Spring dessert!

1. Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 cup chopped dates and 1 tsp. baking soda. Let stand while the following is mixed:
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cup sifted flour
1/4 cup soft butter
1 tsp. baking powder
1 beaten egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts

2. Add all the above to the date mixture and bake in a greased 9 inch square pan for about 35 minutes at 350 degrees.
3. Mix the following and spread on the cake when it comes out of the oven.
5 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. softened butter
2 Tbsp. cream
Sprinkle the top with chopped nuts.
Note from my Nana: This is Queen Elizabeth's favorite cake recipe. At her request it must not be given but must be sold for 15 cents the money donated to a charitable organization.

...Were you wondering my top 3 favorite cakes? In no certain order, Carrot Cake, Cookie Cake and now...Date Cake!!!! What are your top 3 fav cakes?