Date And Nut Cake
["1 or 1 1/4 c. finely cut dates", "1 c. hot water", "1/4 c. shortening", "1 c. sugar", "1 egg", "1 tsp. vanilla", "1 3/4 c. sifted flour", "1 tsp. soda", "1/2 c. chopped nuts"]
["Heat oven at", "350\u00b0.", "Grease", "and flour 9 x 9 x 3/4-inch pan. Pour", "hot", "water", "over dates; cool.", "Combine shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla in mixing bowl.", "Beat 5 minutes on high speed until fluffy.", "Sift", "together", "flour, soda and salt.", "On low speed or by", "hand", "add", "in", "flour in 4 additions with date mixture, ending", "with", "flour.", "Blend", "just", "until smooth.", "Add nuts.", "Bake 40 to 45 minutes at 350\u00b0.", "Frost with Easy Penuche Frosting."]
["dates", "water", "shortening", "sugar", "egg", "vanilla", "flour", "soda", "nuts"]