1 pkg. dates, cut up
2 tsp. baking soda, dissolved in 2 c. boiling water
1/2 c. butter
1 1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
3 1/2 c. flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. walnuts or pecans, broken up

Pour boiling water over dates and let stand. Drain dates, but reserve liquid. Cream sugar and butter; add vanilla and eggs and mix well. Sift together flour, salt and baking soda and add to creamed mixture alternately with liquid from dates. Beat vigorously. Stir in dates and nuts. Bake about 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees in 2 greased bread pans. May be stored in freezer. Keeps for weeks. Delicious for dessert - try with cream cheese.