1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 c. dates or raisins
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 1/2 c. flour
1 c. walnuts
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla

Raisins can be substituted for dates. Pour boiling water on dates; let stand until cool. Add shortening, sugar, beaten egg and vanilla, then mix flour, soda, baking powder and salt. Add walnuts.

Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes in loaf pan.