Queen Elizabeth Cake (day 33 of 35)

Now, THIS IS MY CAKE! A scrumptious date nut cake that is truly fit for a queen. It is crowned with a broiled coconut topping. Make it for me and I will sit down in front of it, with a spoon in my hand, ready to eat it. I made this cake many times over the years, for my own birthday.

1 cup boiling water
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
¼ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped walnuts (I put ¾ cup)
1 cup flaked coconut
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
¼ cup cream

Pour boiling water over dates in a small bowl, and let stand until cool.
Measure flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and nuts into a small bowl. Stir to mix.

Cream 1/4 cup butter or margarine and white sugar together in a mixing bowl; beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture in three parts alternately with date mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with dry mixture. Spread batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.

Bake at 350F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.

To Make Topping:
Mix coconut, brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Boil for three minutes.

Take a toothpick or a knitting needle, and make little holes all over the cake, pushing down all the way, without damaging the cake. Spread the topping over the warm cake, and brown under broiler.

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