Orange Date Loaf

2 cups chopped dates

1/3 cup shortening

1 cup boiling water

4 tbsp. cold water or orange juice.

1 tbsp. orange juice

1 tsp. baking soda

¾ cup brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. orange rind – grated fine

1 egg

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

Preheat Oven To: 350

Yield: 2 loaves

Put dates and shortening in mixing bowl and pour boiling water over them.  Beat until shortening breaks into small lumps.  Add cold water and orange juice.  Stir in soda, brown sugar, vanilla, orange rind and egg.  Add flour, baking powder and salt.  Beat until well blended.  Pour batter into 2 greased loaf pans and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 1 hour.