3/4 c. nuts
1 c. dates, cut up
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. shortening
1 c. hot applesauce
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. flour

With a fork, mix nuts, dates, soda and salt; add shortening and applesauce. Let stand 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. With fork, beat eggs and add vanilla, sugar and flour. Mix in date mixture and pour in pan. Bake 1 hour or until done. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove to wire rack to finish cooking, then wrap in foil. Store overnight before serving. Slice and serve (sometimes I use crushed pineapple instead of applesauce or walnuts instead of pecans.)