1 (8 oz.) pkg. dates
1 c. walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 generous c. raisins
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling water
2 c. white flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 to 2 egg whites

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Chop dates. Combine dates, nuts and raisins in bowl. Sprinkle baking soda over dates, nuts and raisin combination. Pour 1 cup boiling water over all of this. Cover the bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and egg whites. Mix together with pastry blender or 2 knives. Combine both bowls and stir well. Bake in oiled loaf pan 1 hour.

I use 1 cup plums in place of dates when plums are in season.

This bread is delicious with ricotta cheese as spread.