Date Nut Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 3-inch loaf pan.
3. 3
   Put the dates, walnuts, baking soda, salt, and shortening in a bowl.
4. 4
   Pour the boiling water over and stir.
5. 5
   Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes.
6. 6
   Using a fork, beat the eggs and sugar together in a bowl.
7. 7
   Add the flours and stir (this will be too stiff to mix well).
8. 8
   Add the date mixture and mix briskly until the batter is well blended.
9. 9
   Spoon into the loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour, or until a straw comes out clean when inserted into the center.
10. 10
    Remove and cool on a rack.
11. 11
    Variations:
12. 12
    Fig Nut Bread: Substitute 1 cup chopped figs for the dates.
13. 13
    Proceed as directed above.
14. 14
    Prune Bread: Omit the dates and walnuts.
15. 15
    Substitute 1 1/2 cups pitted, chopped prunes.
16. 16
    Proceed as directed above.