Queen Elizabeth Cake I

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.

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 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) 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.

Spread over warm cake, and brown under broiler.