4 c. pitted dates
2 c. coarsely chopped walnuts
2 c. boiling water
2 3/4 c. unsifted all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 1/4 c. light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Into large bowl, with scissors, cut dates into thirds. Add nuts and boiling water. Let cool at room temperature - about 45 minutes. Meanwhile grease two (8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch) loaf pans. Sift flour with baking soda and salt; set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl with electric mixer at high speed; beat butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add cooled date mixture, mix well. Add flour mixture, beat with wooden spoon until well combined. Turn into prepared pans. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans, 10 minutes. Remove bread to wire rack and let cool completely. Makes 2 loaves.