2 c. warm water
1 pkg. yeast
2 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. chopped dates
1 c. chopped nuts

Place warm water in large bowl. Add yeast, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 1/2 cups flour to make a batter for a sponge. Let rise until light. Add salt, melted butter, remainder of sugar, and vanilla, beating well after each addition. Then add the remaining flour. Lastly, add the dates and nuts. Stir well, lifting the dough high with the spoon to develop the gluten. This should fill 2 medium sized bread pans about 1/2 full. Let rise until light and bake for 1 hour, starting at 350 degrees (30 minutes) and then reducing temperature to 325 degrees until done.

Note: Grease pans well!