1 3/4 c. hot strong coffee
2 tsp. baking soda
1 (10 oz.) pkg. dates
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 c. nuts
1/2 tsp. vanilla

In small bowl, place dates, sprinkle soda over dates, pour coffee over dates. Let cool. Combine sugar and shortening. Add flour mixture (flour, salt, baking powder) to cream mixture. Add eggs and vanilla and date mixture. Grease and flour bread pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves.