2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 tbsp. Spry or Crisco
8 oz. pitted dates
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. boiling water
1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven 350 degrees. In large bowl place cut up dates, baking soda, Spray, salt; pour boiling water over ingredients. Let cool.

In separate bowl mix flour, sugar - add to above mixture. Add slightly beaten egg, vanilla and nuts.

Pour mixture into 2 (8 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 inch) foil loaf pans. Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour. To test for doneness insert a wire cake tester or a toothpick and if it emerges perfectly clean the cake is done.