1 c. dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling water
1/4 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. gumdrops, cut
1/2 c. nuts (optional)

Cook water and dates; add soda. Cook slightly and cool. Cream together butter and sugar; add egg. Sift together flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add alternately with date mixture. Then add gumdrops and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Makes 2 small or 1 large loaf.