DATE-WALNUT LOAF

                Just what I need, a quick bread when everything is taking longer.

                                            DATE-WALNUT LOAF

• 2 cups chopped dates
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup shortening (non-hydrogenated)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups unbleached flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

1.  Combine dates, walnuts, and shortening in a large mixing bowl.  Add boiling water, stirring just until shortening melts.  Stir in cold water.  Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing well.
2.  Combine dry ingredients, and add gradually to the date mixture, beating well.  Pour mixture into a greased loaf pan.  Bake at 350˚ F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing from pan and then finish cooling on a wire rack.