1 c. hot water
1 c. dates, cut up
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1 heaping tbsp. shortening (Crisco type)
1 1/4 c. flour
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
Nuts
Maraschino cherries or candied fruit (optional)

Mix first 3 ingredients first and set aside. Mix sugar, shortening, egg, salt and vanilla. Add flour and date mixture alternately. Add nuts and fruit. Line a greased loaf pan bottom with wax paper and grease paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Peel off paper when taken out of oven.