Date Nut Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. 2
   Bring 2 cups water to boil.
3. 3
   In a medium bowl, combine dates and baking soda.
4. 4
   Pour boiling water over the date mixture, stir and cool.
5. 5
   In a large bowl or mixing bowl, combine sugar, shortning, salt, vanilla and egg.
6. 6
   Beat until well blended.
7. 7
   Add flour and date mixture alternately to mixing bowl and beat well after each addition.
8. 8
   Begin and end with flour.
9. 9
   Stir in pecans.
10. 10
    Pour batter into 3 (8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch) loaf pans coated with cooking spray.
11. 11
    Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.
12. 12
    Cool 10 minutes on wire racks, remove from pans and cool completely.