1/2 lb. dates
1 c. nuts, chopped
15 candied orange slices
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. flour
3/4 c. wtaer
1 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
3 tbsp. hot water
1/4 tsp. salt

Cook chopped dates, 2 tablespoons flour, nuts and 3/4 cup water. Add cut up candied orange slices. Let cool.

Cream 1 cup shortening, 2 eggs, 1 cup brown sugar. Add 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 3 tablespoons hot water, 1 3/4 cups flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Spread 1/2 the batter in greased 11 x 7 x 1 1/2 pan. Cover with date mixture. Spread the rest of the batter over date mixture. Bake 30 or 40 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick.