Depression-Era Orange Date Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4-1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1-2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 orange, zest of, grated
• 1/2-3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chopped dates (can use raisins)

GLAZE

• 1 orange, juice of
• 1/2 cup sugar

Directions

1. 1

   Set oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Grease a 9 x 9-inch glass baking pan.

3. 3

   In a bowl cream the butter with egg and vanilla until light and fluffy.

4. 4

   Place the buttermilk into a bowl.

5. 5

   In a small cup or bowl dissolve the baking soda in warm water and stir into the buttermilk.

6. 6

   In another bowl sift the flour with baking powder, salt and orange zest; add into creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk mixture; stir until blended.

7. 7

   Mix in the nuts and raisins.

8. 8

   Transfer to prepared baking pan.

9. 9

   Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the cake tests done.

10. 10

    For the glaze; in a bowl mix orange juice with 1/2 cup sugar and pour over the hot cake while still in the pan to form a glaze.

11. 11

    Cool before slicing.