DATE AND WALNUT LOAF

1 lb dates
2 cups boiling water
8 oz butter
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
3 cups self-raising flour
2 cups plain flour
1 cup chopped walnuts [you could use pecan nuts]

Chop dates roughly, add boiling water and boil for 3 minutes.
Stir in butter, salt and sugar.
When cold, stir in the sifted flour and beaten eggs
Stir in the nuts.

Put in two load tins.Cover with foil with a 1 inch pleat along the top.
Pierce the top of the foil once with a skewer.

Bake at 350�F (180�C) for 1� hours.
Remove foil and bake a further 10 minutes.

Serve sliced and spread with butter.

This recipe freezes well