1 pkg. whole dates, each cut in half
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. boiling water
2 tbsp. butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 1/2 c. flour
Nuts are optional

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle baking soda over cut-up dates. Pour boiling water over dates.

2. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar.

3. Add eggs, then flour. Then add dates.

4. Pour into well-greased loaf pans or #2 size tin cans. Bake for approximately 1 hour.