3/4 c. chopped dates
3/4 c. raisins
1 c. boiling water
2 tsp. baking soda
3 tbsp. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
2 c. all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

Combine first 4 ingredients in mixing bowl; set aside. Cream shortening and sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add egg and beat well; then stir in flour and salt. Add date mixture, stirring until well blended.

Spoon batter into 2 greased and floured 1-pound coffee cans. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes. Cool in cans 10 minutes; remove to wire racks and cool completely. Yield: 2 loaves.