Cook dates, butter, sugar, and soda in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Cool. Add well beaten egg and self raising flour, mix well.
Grease or line with baking paper a long narrow tin. Bake in moderate oven for around 3/4 hour (need to check on).
Remove from tin. When cool, slice and spread slices with butter to serve.
Source: From very old Golden Wattle Cookery book.
By Lorraine from Perth, Western Australia
Sprinkle soda over dates. Pour hot water over both; let cool. Cream butter and brown sugar; add egg and beat. Sift dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Blend in vanilla and nuts.