1 c. hot water
1 1/2 c. dates, cut into small pieces
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 c. soft butter
2 eggs
1 c. orange juice (if you use concentrated frozen juice, dilute with 2 cans water instead of 3)
2 c. orange gumdrops, cut up
1 tsp. grated orange peel
4 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Pour hot water over dates and allow to stand 15 minutes. In large mixing bowl, cream together sugar, brown sugar and butter thoroughly. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add orange juice. Stir in dates (including water) gumdrops and orange peel. Sift flour with baking powder, soda and salt. Stir into first mixture and combine thoroughly. Divide mixture evenly into 2 well greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool loaves in pans for about 3 minutes, then turn out on wire rack to continue cooling. Makes 2 loaves.