--------------------------------DATE TOPPING-------------------------------1 c Sugar two third c Boiling water ds Salt 1 c Pitted dates; chopped half c Nuts; chopped Pit and cut up dates; add soda dissolved in boiling water and let stand In bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar; add to dates along with egg and butter. Mix well; stir in nuts. Turn into greased 203 cm baking pan. Bake in 180ºC F oven for 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. ----