1 c. dates, cut in half
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling strong coffee
1 c. raisins, optional
1 heaping tbsp. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. walnuts, chopped

Use leftover coffee or mix cup of instant coffee.

Place dates and raisins (better with raisins) in large mixing bowl. Sprinkle soda over fruit and pour boiling coffee on top. Mix and cool slightly; add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Line bottom of greased 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan with waxed paper. Pour in dough. Bake 1 hour (or slightly longer) at 350-375 degrees. Turn out of pan, peel off waxed paper, and cool. Wrap in foil and store in refrigerator or freeze.

(3 small pans may be used for this amount; can leave breads in small pans and wrap in foil.)

Makes nice gifts at Christmas time.

NOTE: I've made hundreds of this date bread. It stays moist and freezes well. Best I've ever tasted!