Date Loaf with Butterscotch Sauce

Loaf:
1 (6 1/2 ounce) package pitted dates
1 cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 beaten egg
2 1/4 cups sifted flour (or use 1 cup cake flour)
1 scant teaspoon salt

Butterscotch Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour

To make loaf, cut dates into small pieces; sprinkle baking soda over and pour boiling water over. Let cool.

Cream butter well; add sugar, then eggs. Blend in dates and flour; mix alternately. Pour into well-greased and floured 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.

To make sauce, mix brown sugar, flour and butter as for pie crust. Add 1 cup boiling water. Cook until thick, about 2 minutes. Add some vanilla extract and almond flavoring.

Serves 15.