Preheat oven to 275°

1 Cup Dates cut fine
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Cup boiling water

Combine the above ingredients and let stand.

1 Cup sugar
2 Tablespoons butter
1 egg

Mix sugar and butter thoroughly. Add  egg and stir in.

Add :

1 1/2 Cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 Cup chopped pecans sprinkled with flour
        (sprinkling with flour keeps the nuts from going to the bottom.)

Mix thoroughly.
Add dates and stir until it is smooth.

Pour in 8 by 8 pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Serve with whipped cream.