1 c. chopped dates (8 oz. pkg.)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. butter
1 c. boiling water
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. flour
1 c. chopped nuts

Bring water to boil in medium sized saucepan; add dates, soda and butter. Stir and remove from heat. Allow to cool, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl, mix sugar, egg and salt. Add flour alternately with date mixture which has been cooled to room temperature. Add nuts. Pour into greased and floured bread pan(s). Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour, until it tests done in center. Cool in pan for short time, 5 or 10 minutes. Turn out of pan and wrap loaves in foil, sealing ends, immediately. (This seals in moisture.) I always double this recipe and make various sized loaves for gifts. This is a good holiday recipe.