1/3 c. boiling water
2 c. pitted chopped dates
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
3/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. sifted flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Pour boiling water over dates and cool. Place shortening and sugar, salt, spices, eggs and cooled dates mixture in large bowl, beat at moderate speed until well blended about 1 minute. Sift flour and baking soda, add nuts and add to first mixture. Beat at slow speed about 1 minute. Place in pan 9 x 9 x 2 inch, 40 to 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool in pan. Cut and roll in powdered sugar.