2 c. hot water
2 lb. seeded dates, cut up*
2 tsp. baking soda
3 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. Crisco
4 eggs
2 c. walnuts, cut up

*I do not use pre-cut dates. Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour HOT water over dates. Stir well. Stir in baking soda. Add sugar, flour, salt, shortening and eggs in by hand. Add nuts. Pour into greased and floured 13 x 9 pan. Test by inserting toothpick into center of cake.

Yields 16 to 18 servings. Serve with whipped topping. My mother fixed this during the Christmas Holidays as long as she lived and I have done this since.