French Orange Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 lb. dates, chopped
1/2 c. hot water
1 tsp. soda
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. milk
1 grated orange rind
1 c. pecans, chopped

Preparation

Mix soda and water.
Pour over dates.
Cream shortening and sugar.
Add egg and beat well.
Add date mixture.
Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with milk.
Beat well.
Add grated orange rind and pecans.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 45 minutes in a 9 x 13-inch pan.