Ingredients: – 1 cup chopped dates – 2 cups boiling water – 2 teaspoons baking soda – 2 tablespoons melted butter – 2 cups granulated sugar – 2 eggs – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon salt – 4 cups all-purpose flour – 1 cup chopped walnuts

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Place the dates and baking soda in a medium bowl.  Pour the boiling water over the top and allow to cool.

As the dates cool off, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl.

When cool, pour the water and dates into the sugar and egg mixture.  Whisk to combine. Use a spatula to gently stir in the flour and nuts.

Divide the batter between TWO greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with dry crumbs attached.

Let cool for at least 10 minutes in the pans, then run a knife along the edge to loosen the loaves from the pan.  Slice and serve!