Good-Cooking - Queen Elizabeth Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup butter or shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup nuts, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder