Ingredients:
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup boiling water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups sifted flour

Method:
Mix together the nuts, dates, baking soda and salt.  Mix in the shortening and let stand for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350*.  Grease and flour a 9×5 loaf pan.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs and vanilla together.  Then mix in the sugar and flour.  Combine this with the date mixture.
Spread into the pan, smooth the top.  It will be thick.
Bake  for 65 minutes, or until it tests done with a toothpick or sharp knife.  Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan.  Cool overnight before slicing.
Freezes well.  Tastes great plain, or with butter or soft cream cheese.

Submitted by Barry Carter, from his mom Middy’s recipe file.