Date Nut Bread

1 lb. dates
2 c. boiling water
2 tsp. soda
1-1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
1 c. nuts
2-3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Cut dates in small pieces and add water & soda. Let stand a few minutes. Mix sugar, butter and well-beaten eggs. Add flour & salt alternately with dates. Stir in vanilla & nuts. Bake in greased loaf pan @ 350 for 1 hour.