1 lb. dates, cut up
1 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. nuts
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Cover dates with water. Add soda and mix together. Add shortening and sugar; mix well. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Bake in 13"x9" pan for 45 minutes at 300 degrees. Serve hot or cold with whipped cream.