Date Cake
["1 c. boiling water", "1 c. dates, cut", "1/2 c. shortening", "1 1/2 c. flour", "1 tsp. salt", "1 tsp. soda", "1 c. sugar", "1 egg", "1 tsp. vanilla"]
["Sprinkle soda over dates.", "Add water and let stand.", "Mix flour and salt together and set aside.", "Cream shortening and sugar.", "Add egg and vanilla, then add flour alternating with the date mixture. Pour into 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 350\u00b0 for 35 to 40 minutes."]
["boiling water", "dates", "shortening", "flour", "salt", "soda", "sugar", "egg", "vanilla"]