ReNae’s Date Nut Bread

We used to give a loaf of this to each of our primary teachers. It takes the place of fruitcake on the original goodie plates. This is yummy and low-fat. Mom quadruples in the Kitchenaid—no mumbo-jumbo with a fork. She says once the dates are juiced up, just make like a quick bread using the mixer.

¾ c nuts (chopped walnuts)

1 c chopped pitted dates (buy diced dates—you don’t want to chop dates)

1 ½ t baking soda

½ t salt

3 T shortening

¾ c boiling water

2 eggs

1 t vanilla

1 c sugar (1 T less if dates are sugared)

1 ½ c sifted flour

Mix first four ingredients with fork, add shortening and boiling water. Let stand 20 minutes. Beat eggs with fork, add vanilla, suagr, and flour, beating with a fork. Add date mixtrue, mix just enough to blend. Bake 1 hr. 5 min. @ 350° in greased 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan. Makes one loaf. Put a piece of paper in the bottom of the loaf pan to improve release. Just spray the sides and the paper with non-stick spray (on the deck, of course).