Ingredients

• 8 ounces dried, pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat over to 350°F.
2. Grease 6-7 empty soup cans with the tops removed.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the dates, butter and sugar. Add 2 cups boiling water and let cool.
4. When cooled, add two eggs beating after each addition.
5. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Mix with wet ingredients.
6. Add vanilla and mix in the nuts.
7. Fill each soup can ½ full with the batter.
8. Place cans on to a baking sheet and bake 1 hour. Let cool and remove bread from cans.  May be frozen.
9. Cut into ½ to 1” slices to serve. Spread slices with cream cheese if desired.