Queen Elizabeth Cake

* 1 c chopped dates
* 1 c boiling water
* ¼ c butter or margarine
* 1c brown sugar
* 2 beaten eggs
* 1 ½ c all purpose flour
* ¼ tsp each salt, cloves and nutmeg
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* 1 c chopped nuts
* 1 tsp baking powder
* 1 tsp baking soda

Topping:

* 3 tbsp butter
* 2 tbsp cream or milk
* ½ c brown sugar
* ½ c coconut

* Add dates to the boiling water and cook a few minutes to soften the dates, stirring often.
* Cream the butter or margarine, blend in sugar then beat in the eggs.
* Mix well.
* Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.
* Add to the egg mixture and stir in dates, vanilla and nuts.
* Mix well.
* Turn into greased 9 x 13 pan, spreading evenly.
* Bake at 350 degrees until top springs back when lightly touched (30-40 minutes)

* Shortly before the cake is done, combine topping ingredients in a saucepan.
* Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly,
I Pour over cooked cake and return to the oven to brown.