Date & Walnut Cake

1 cup pitted dates, chopped
1 cup boiling water
8 tablespoons butter, softened
1 egg
1 cup superfine sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup walnuts, chopped

Butterscotch Icing:
2 tablespoons whipping cream
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar

InPreheat oven to 350F. Grease an 16” round pan (or two 8"-round pans). Place dates in a bowl and cover with boiling water; cool.   In a bowl, cream butter, egg, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.  Sift dry ingredients into mixture and fold in with dates and soaking liquid.  Fold in chopped walnuts and pour into greased pan. Bake 1 to 1-1/2 hours, until spongy to touch.  Turn out of pan.
To prepare icing, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Bring to a boil and pour over cake. Garnish with sugar crystals or rock candy crystals