4 oz. shortening
7 oz. sugar
2 oz. brown sugar
2 oz. buttermilk
8 oz. flour
1/3 tsp. baking soda
9 oz. dates or bananas
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/4 c. chopped nuts

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and mix well. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk and mix until blended well. Add nuts and dates. Mix until just blended.

Coat loaf pan with solid shortening and flour pan. Pour batter into pan and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. When done, turn out of pan immediately and cool on wire racks.