1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup boiling water
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup melted shortening
Cut dates into bowl and add baking soda. Pour in boiling water, mix well and let cool. Combine egg and sugar, beat well. Stir in salt and vanilla. Combine egg mixture with date mixture. Stir in flour, blend in nuts and shortening. Pour into well-greased and floured loaf pan. Let stand half hour. Bake at 300-325 F about 1 1/4 hours. Submitted by Verna MacMillan, Eldon.