Pat Ackerman'S Date-Nut Bread
["1 Tbsp. shortening", "2 c. sugar", "1 egg", "1 tsp. vanilla", "1 tsp. salt", "3 c. flour, sifted", "1 1/2 c. boiling water from dates", "2 c. chopped dates (8 oz.)", "1 c. chopped nuts", "2 tsp. soda, dissolved in 1 tsp. water"]
["Cook dates, covered with water, until partially soft, about 15 minutes.", "Drain, saving 1 1/2 cups of the boiling water for the mixture.", "Mix all together first 5 ingredients; then add flour and water alternately.", "Then stir in baking soda dissolved in water. Lastly add dates and nuts.", "Bake in greased loaf pans for 1 hour at 350\u00b0.", "(Line bottom of greased pans with waxed paper.)", "Makes 2 loaves.", "Use a whisk to mix."]
["shortening", "sugar", "egg", "vanilla", "salt", "flour", "boiling water", "dates", "nuts", "soda"]