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