Granny Haley’s Orange Date Cake

Name: Granny Haley’s Orange Date Cake
Yield: makes 8 to 10 servings
Ingredients: Vegetable shortening, such as Crisco; 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the dish; 1 cup chopped dates; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2/3 cups sour milk (see headnote); 2 tablespoons grated orange zest; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; 2 tablespoons orange juice

December 9, 2011

This recipe was a favorite of Sandy’s Granny Haley. Sandy remembers how Granny Haley would serve this cake whenever anyone would come by for a Sunday afternoon visit over coffee or tea. The subtly sweet cake was the perfect snack and accompaniment to their ever sweeter conversation. Most people don’t have sour milk on hand, so here’s a simple way to make some. Combine 2/3 cup milk and 2/3 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for 10 minutes before using.

Recipe notes

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