1 pkg. Red Star yeast
1 c. warm water
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening (part butter)
3 eggs
1/2 c. dark molasses
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1/2 c. dates, cut up

Soften yeast in water. Add first 1 1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Set aside in warm place 30 minutes. Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and molasses and beat until smooth. Stir in yeast mixture and blend. Add second amount of flour with soda, salt and spices to first ingredients, beating until smooth. Stir nuts and dates in. Pour into well-greased and floured 9x13x2 inch pan. Cover, let raise 1 hour. Bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes.