Date Pudding

This recipe was given to my family by my aunt Ruth Boel, who came to Arizona. It is one of our favorites, and I make it every Christmas. It’s delicious with whipped cream.

1 lb. dates, pitted

1 c. boiling water

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tbsp. shortening

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. sugar

1 egg, beaten

1/4 tsp. salt

1-2/3 c. flour

1/2 c. chopped nuts

Cut dates into strips.

Add shortening to dates in a large bowl.

Pour boiling water over dates and shortening.

Add baking soda, vanilla, sugar, egg and salt. Stir.

Combine nuts and flour. Add to batter. Beat well. Batter will be very thin.

Grease tube pan or 9” x 13” pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. The cake will be very moist. Serve with Cool Whip.

• Photo: Chris and Ruth Boel with gd Cheryl.tif