3/4 c. chopped walnuts 3/4 c. boiling water
1 c. chopped dates 2 eggs
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt 1 c. sugar
1/4 c. shortening 1-1/2 c. sifted flour
Combine nuts, dates, baking soda and salt in mixing bowl. Add shortening and boiling water. Allow this mixture to stand for 15 minutes. Stir to blend. Beat eggs slightly, add vanilla. Stir in sugar and sifted flour. Add to date mixture. Do not overmix.
Place in greased 9x5x3" loaf pan. Bake 1 hour at 350 deg. (moderate). When done, toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean. Cool before removing from pan. Loosen sides with a spatula. For perfect slicing, allow the loaf to cool several hours.