DATENUT BREAD

16 oz. of dates, chopped up
2 cups boiling water, pour over the dates
add 2 tsp. baking soda and let stand while
mixing other ingredients
2 Tbsp. butter or extra light olive oil
1 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
3 whites (or 2 eggs)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
4 cups flour

1. Cream butter & sugar.
2. Add the eggs one at a time & beat well.
3. Add flour & baking powder mixture alternately with date mixture.
4. Stir in vanilla & nuts.
5. Divide batter into 4 small loaf pans ungreased.
6.) Bake 1 hr. at 350F.
7. Cool in pan, loosen with knife.