Date Nut Bread

Recipe is from Aunt Nellie.

2 cups pitted dates
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 TB butter
2 tsp baking powder
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 cups flour
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup nuts

Pour boiling water over dates, add soda, shortening, sugar and beaten eggs. Sift flour, salt , baking powder and add to first mixture. Add nuts and vanilla. Pour into greased tins. Let stand 5 minutes. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Makes 2 medium loaves.