1 pkg. pitted dates
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. boiling water
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. nut meats

RUM SAUCE:

1 c. sugar
1 c. water
2 tbsp. cornstarch
2 caps full of rum
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Sprinkle soda on cut up dates; pour boiling water over and set aside. Cream butter and sugar; add eggs, then flour, salt, and date mixture alternately. Add nuts and vanilla. Bake in 5 (#2) cans, well greased, in 325 degrees oven 1 hour.

Sauce: Mix sugar, cornstarch, and nutmeg. Add water and stir over medium heat until it boils. Remove from heat; add butter and rum. Serve over date nut bread.