4 c. pitted dates
2 c. coarsely chopped walnuts
2 c. boiling water
2 3/4 c. unsifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter or regular butter, softened
1 1/4 c. light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Into large bowl, with scissor, cut dates into thirds. Add nuts and boiling water. Let cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, grease two (8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch) loaf pans. Sift flour with baking soda and salt; set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In large bowl, with electric mixer at high speed, beat butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add cooled date mixture; mix well. Add flour mixture; beat with wooden spoon until well combined. Turn into prepared pans.

Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans, 10 minutes. Remove bread to wire rack, and let cool completely. Makes 2 loaves.