2 c. dates, cut up
1/2-1 c. nutmeats, chopped
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling water
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla

Place dates in a bowl and sprinkle with nuts and baking soda. Pour boiling water over the dates and soda. Cover and let stand until cool. In another bowl, cream and beat together shortening, sugar and egg thoroughly. Add the cooled date mixture and add the flour and vanilla. Pour into greased and floured 7 x 11-inch pan.

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes for layers (bake a little longer for a loaf cake).