Date Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/3 c. snipped pitted dates (8 oz.)
1 c. boiling water
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 c. chopped walnuts

Preparation

Heat oven to 350\u00b0.
Grease and lightly flour a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
Combine dates and boiling water; cool to room temperature.
Stir together the flour, baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
In a large mixer bowl, beat shortening about 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating 1 minute after each.
Add dry ingredients and cooled undrained date mixture alternately to beaten mixture, beating after each addition.
Stir in nuts.
Spread in pan.
Bake in a 350\u00b0 oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
If desired, serve each piece with a dollop of whipped cream.
Serves 12.