1 c. boiling water
2 level tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. shortening
2 eggs
Package dates, cut up
2 c. sifted flour
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar

Pour boiling water over dates and soda. Set aside to cool. Sift flour and salt and add nuts in medium bowl. Cream sugar and shortening in large bowl. Blend in eggs; beat well. Add dry mix to creamed mix alternately with date mix, beginning and ending with dry mix. Blend after each mix.

Grease bottom of 9 x 5 x 3 inch bread loaf pan (use 1/2 loaf size pans for 2 loaves). Bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 minutes. Remove and cool on rack.