1 lb. pitted dates
1 c. boiling water
2 tsp. baking soda

Over dates set aside, pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons shortening, cream with 1 1/4 cups sugar, 4 eggs well beaten, 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 pound nuts, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Put boiling water and soda over set aside while preparing rest of ingredients. Then mix all ingredients together (except nuts and flour). Mix nuts with flour. Then add all gradually to mixture.

Bake in deep loaf pan 300 degrees about 450 degrees minutes. Place a pan of water in oven under cake.