1 c. dates
1 c. nuts
1/2 c. shortening (Crisco)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. boiling water
4 c. flour
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla

Put dates, nuts, shortening and baking soda in large bowl. Pour boiling water over mixture. When cool, add other ingredients. Bake in greased and floured loaf pans that have not been filled more than half full. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour. (If large fruit juice cans are used, increase baking time to 1 1/2 hours.)