Date-Nut Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Stir dates, pecans and soda into hot water; set aside to cool. Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, beating at medium speed of an electric mixer.
2. 2
   Add egg and beat well.
3. 3
   Combine flour and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with fruit-nut mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
4. 4
   Stir in vanilla.
5. 5
   Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 28 ounce fruit cans.
6. 6
   Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. 7
   Cool in cans 10 minutes.
8. 8
   Remove from pans and let cool on wire racks.
9. 9
   Yield: 2 loaves.