1 lb. dates
1 c. walnut meats, chopped
A little lemon or orange peel, if you wish
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter
1/2 lard
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour

Cream together sugar, shortening, butter and lard. Dissolve soda in 1 cup boiling water.