1/2 lb. pitted dates, chopped fine
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. boiling water
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs, beaten slightly
4 c. sifted all-purpose flour
2 tsp. salt
1 c. English walnuts or pecans, chopped fine

Combine dates and soda; pour boiling water over. Set aside to cool. In another bowl, cream together sugar, shortening and eggs. Add cooled date mixture. Blend in flour and salt into mixture; stir well while you mix in the nutmeats, until glistening smooth. Spoon into 6 (#303) cans (greased well, with waxed paper circle in bottom of each). Fill each can half full, and bake in a 325 degree oven for 1 hour or until done.