Date Nut Bread
["1 c. dates, cut fine", "1 tsp. soda", "1 c. boiling water", "1 tsp. butter", "1 egg", "2/3 c. sugar", "1 1/2 c. flour, sifted", "1/2 tsp. vanilla", "pinch of salt", "nuts (if desired)"]
["Mix dates, soda and butter in boiling water; cool.", "Add the rest of the ingredients.", "Bake in buttered and floured bread pan for 1 hour at 325\u00b0."]
["dates", "soda", "boiling water", "butter", "egg", "sugar", "flour", "vanilla", "salt", "nuts"]