1 c. chopped dates
2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. boiling water
2 tbsp. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. chopped nuts

In a medium bowl, mix together dates, baking soda and boiling water; set aside and let cool. Sift flour and salt together in another bowl. Cream together butter, sugar and eggs; add date mixture after it has cooled, then gradually add flour/salt mixture, scraping bowl often. Add vanilla and mix in nuts. Pour batter into 2 greased and floured loaf pans or 6 small pans (fill pans about halfway).

Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Small loaves will bake in less time, about 40 minutes. Remove loaves from pans and cool completely on wire racks.