Date Cake

2 1/2 cups dates, cut fine
1 1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup walnuts
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour

Mix dates, shortening, sugar, and hot water and let cool. Beat egg lightly, put soda in egg. Add to date mixture. Then add nuts, flour, and vanilla. Bake at 350 degrees.