1 c. pitted chopped dates
1 c. coarsely chopped nuts
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 tbsp. vegetable shortening
3/4 c. boiling water
2 eggs or egg substitute
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8 x 4 1/2 x 3 inch loaf pan.

Put dates, nuts, baking soda, salt and shortening into a bowl. Pour boiling water over and stir. Let mixture stand for 15 minutes. Using a fork beat eggs and sugar in a bowl. Add flour and stir (this will be very difficult to mix well). Add date mixture and mix briskly until batter is well blended.

Spoon into loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour or until tester comes out clean when inserted into center. Remove and cool on rack.