8 tbsp. plus 4 tbsp. butter (1 stick butter) for greasing pan
1 c. pitted diced dates
3/4 c. dark raisins
1/4 c. golden seedless raisins
1 c. sugar
1 egg
3/4 c. walnut, broken into small pieces
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/3 c. sifted flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter standard loaf pan (9 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches). Line bottom with a rectangle of wax paper. Butter this rectangle and sprinkle with flour. Shake out the excess flour.

Put the dates and raisins into mixing bowl. Dissolve the baking soda with the boiling water and pour it over the date mixture.

Cream together the sugar and remaining 8 tablespoons butter. beat in the vanilla and egg. Add the flour and mix well. Add the date mixture including the liquid. Add the walnuts. Please note that this will be quite a liquid batter.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth over the top. Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let cool about 3-5 minutes in pan, then turn onto cake rack.