Date Nut Loaf (2 loaves)

---

3 cups sifted flour

1-1/2 cups boiling water

3 t. baking soda

1/2 cup (1/4 lb.) butter

1/2 t. salt

4 eggs

2 cups pitted dates

1-1/2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed

2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts

2 t. vanilla extract

---

Preheat oven to 350.

Sift flour, baking soda, & salt. Cut up the dates & combine with walnuts,

boiling water & butter. Let stand 15 minutes. Beat the eggs & gradually add

brown sugar & vanilla. Mix in flour mixture until smooth. Stir in date mixture

until just blended. Turn in two 9" buttered loaf pans. Bake 1 hour,

or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool in pans on a rack 15 minutes,

then remove. Let cool 4 hours before freezing. The loaf may be sliced before freezing or frozen whole. Wrap, seal, label, & freeze.

---

Line pan with waxed paper or parchment paper on the bottom & butter again.

Doesn't leave a thick crust that way.

Serve slices spread with fresh butter, to serve with tea.

---