4 whole eggs
3 c. granulated sugar
1 c. shortening (use half butter)
2/3 c. fresh orange juice
2 c. canned pumpkin
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/2 c. cut up dates
1 1/2 c. chopped nuts

Beat eggs gently with sugar. Add shortening, orange juice and pumpkin; mix well. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices; stir into egg mixture. Fold in dates and nuts.

Pour batter into 4 buttered 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" loaf pans and bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour or until loaf tests done. (If desired, about 20 minutes before end of baking time garnish loaves with walnuts or pecans.) Cool 10 minutes in pan. Turn out on wire rack. When cool, wrap in waxed paper, foil or plastic film for several hours or overnight before slicing. (Chocolate chips may be added.) Makes 4 loaves.