2 c. boiling water with 5 tsp. baking soda - cool
1 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
5 c. flour
1 qt. buttermilk
1 tsp. salt
4 beaten eggs
1 c. nuts
4 c. all bran cereal
2 c. 40% Bran cereal
2 c. chopped dates

Combine ingredients. Will keep 6 weeks in refrigerator in covered bowl. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.