This is believed to have been the Queen Mother’s favourite cake. The recipe should only be used for charitable purposes.
Cake
* 8 oz of chopped dates
* 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
* 8 oz sugar
* 3 oz butter
* 1 beaten egg
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 oz chopped walnuts
* 10 oz plain flour
Topping
* 5 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons cream
Pour one breakfast cup of boiling water over the dates and add the bicarbonate of soda. Let stand. Cream the butter with the sugar in a bowl, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt and add to the creamed mixture. Add the dates and stir well. Bake for 35 minutes in a moderate oven in greased and lined 9”x12” pan.
Make the topping by mixing ingredients together, heating over a low flame, and boiling for 3 minutes. Be careful not to boil the topping mixture longer or it will turn to toffee! It should have the consistency of fudge. Spread over warm baked cake and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
Annulla Cooks 
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