Orange-Date Cake

Ingredients

 * 1/4 cup margarine or butter (room temperature or melted)
 * 1 cup white flour
 * 1/2 cup brown sugar (or substitute white sugar)
 * 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
 * 1/2 cup orange juice
 * 1 egg
 * 2 Tablespoons baking powder
 * 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or other nuts)
 * 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
 * powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

 * 1) In a mixing bowl beat the margarine with the sugar.
 * 2) Add about half of the flour, the orange peel, half of the orange juice, the egg and the baking powder.
 * 3) Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in the remaining flour and orange juice.
 * 4) Then, stir in the nuts and dates.
 * 5) Pour batter in a lightly greased and floured 9" by 13" cake pan.
 * 6) Bake in a 350 °F oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
 * 7) Cool the cake. Sift powdered sugar over the top, if desired. Then, cut and serve.