Queen Elizabeth Cake

This version is based on recipe from Thistledown House, North Vancouver.A similar version is also at http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/queen-elizabeth-cake-i/detail.aspx

45	15	Cake Ingredients	Method Notes – details beneath
3 c	1 c	boiling water
3 c	1 c	dates, pitted and chopped	Soak dates in boiling water
¾  c	¼ c	butter, softened
3 c	1 c	sugar	Blend sugar & butter
3	1	egg
3	1	vanilla	Add egg & Vanilla to sugar/butter
4 ½ c	1 ½ c	flour
3 tsp	1 tsp	baking soda
3 tsp	1 tsp	baking powder
1 ½ tsp	½ tsp	salt	Sift dry ingredients and add alternately to wet.
		Topping Ingredients
1 ½  c	½ c	chopped walnuts
3 c	1 c	flaked coconut
6 c	2 c	packed brown sugar
1 c	6 T	butter
¾  c	¼ c	cream

Cake Prep.

• Pour boiling water over dates in a small bowl and let stand until cool.
• Measure flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nuts into a small bowl. Stir to mix.
• Cream ¼ cup butter and white sugar together in a mixing bowl; beat in egg and vanilla.  Add flour mixture to creamed mixture in three parts alternating with date mixture (beginning and ending with dry mixture).  Spread batter into a greased 9 X 13 inch pan.
• Bake at 350F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until an inserted wooden toothpick comes out clean (do not over bake..).

Topping

• Mix coconut, brown sugar, 6 tbsp butter and ¼ cup cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Boil for three minutes or until blended.
• Take a toothpick or knitting needle and make small holes all over the cake, pushing down all the way without damaging the base, 
• Spread the topping mixture over the warm cake and brown under broiler, watching closely as this takes only a few minutes. It should be bubbly & slightly dark golden in colour. WATCH OUT- it happens fast.