Recipe from: The Story of Pure Vanilla, rewritten by R.C. Schlotterer.
Published by the Vanilla Bean Association of America, © 1955.
Heat oven to 350° F. Line 9"x5"x3" loaf pan on bottom with greased waxed paper;
pour water on dates; add soda; cool. With back of spoon work shortening until smooth and creamy.
Slowly add sugar, work until creamy. Beat in egg. Dredge nuts with 1 teaspoon flour. Sift rest of
flour with salt; add alternately with dates to egg mixture, beating to blend after each addition.
Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into pan. Bake in oven of 350° F. 1 hour or until
done. Cool on wire rack 10 to 15 minutes; then remove paper. Frost with any favorite frosting or
serve plain.