Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 TB shortening
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Mix first four ingredients with a fork.
2. Add shortening and water. Let stand 20 minutes.
3. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Beat eggs.
5. Add vanilla, then sugar and flour, beating with a fork.
6. Add date mixture, mixing just until blended.
7. Pour into a greased 9"x5"x3" loaf pan.
8. Bake in a moderate oven at 350F for 65 minutes.