Date Nut Bread

Every fall and Christmas I make date nut bread. I have been making this since the first year I was married. My mother-in-law gave me the recipe. This is something she has always made during this season. My family loves it with cream cheese spread on top.

DATE NUT BREAD
2 pkg sugared, chopped dates
2 tsp baking soda
2 Cups hot water
Mix together; let cool

Add:
2 Cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
4 Cups flour (I used half whole wheat)
1 Cup walnuts

Grease and flour 3 loaf pans (or small coffee cans)
Bake at 350* 45-50 minutes