Dromedary date nut bread #1

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dates chopped
• 1 1/2 cups hot water
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine softened
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup walnuts coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract