1 1/4 c. boiling water
1 1/4 c. dates, cut up (8 oz.)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. sugar
2/3 c. shortening
2 eggs
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Pour boiling water over dates and soda; cool slightly. Sift flour and salt together; set aside. Add sugar gradually to shortening, creaming well. Blend in eggs, beating well. Add dry ingredients to date mixture, blending well. Stir in nuts. Pour into two 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pans, greased and floured. Bake 40- 45 minutes at 350 degrees.