1/2 c. butter
2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. buttermilk, lukewarm
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. each: cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg
1 lb. dates, cut fine
3 c. flour
2 c. pecans, chopped
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift 1/2 of the flour with soda, salt and spices. Use other half to dredge dates and nuts. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

Add flour and buttermilk slowly. Mix well, then add nuts and dates.

Bake in moderate (350°F) oven for 1 hour.