Queen Elizabeth Squares

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8- x 8-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.

TOPPING: Boil together brown sugar, 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.

Recipe Source: "Simply Simpatico: The Home of Authentic Southwestern Cuisine"