Recipe: Queen Elizabeth Squares (using dates, nuts, and coconut)

QUEEN ELIZABETH SQUARES
Source: Simply Simpatico: The Home of Authentic Southwestern Cuisine by Junior League of Albuquerque
Makes 9 to 12 servings

1 cup dates, chopped
1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
FOR THE TOPPING:
1/2 cup brown sugar
5 teaspoons butter
3 Tablespoons half-and-half
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup coconut
TO SERVE:
Sweetened whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.

Over medium heat cook dates, boiling water and baking soda for 10-15 minutes until dates are soft; cool.

Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg, flour, baking powder and salt; mix well. Add cooled date mixture. Spoon prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.

TO PREPARE THE TOPPING:
Boil together brown sugar, 5 teaspoons butter and half-and-half for 3 minutes.

Stir in nuts and coconut. Spread topping mixture on baked cake.

Place under broiler until topping is brown and bubbly.

Serve warm with sweetened whipped cream.