My family’s favorite “stocking stuffer” (no sharing needed!) at Christmas.

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1-1/4 cup sifted flour (I don’t bother to sift)
• 1# whole pitted dates
• 3-4 cups walnut halves/large pieces

Add 1/4 cup flour to coat dates and nuts in a large mixing bowl.
Combine eggs, sugar, and oil in medium mixing bowl – beat well.
Add 1 cup flour and salt to egg mixture – beat well.
Add batter to dates and nuts. Mix gently with wooden spoon.
Place in greased and floured bread pans.
Must be started in a cold oven and baked at 300 F.

How long it is cooked depends on pan size:
1 pan – 5 x 9 – 2 hours
2 pans – 2-1/4 x 7-3/4 – about 1-1/2 hours
4 pans – 2-1/4 x 4-1/2 – about 1-1/4 hours (this is what I do)

Cool ~10 minutes before removing from the pans. Cool completely before freezing or slicing. This loaf is very rich in taste, so just a small piece is needed to enjoy it. I use a serrated bread knife to slice in ~1/2 inch slices and then cut each piece in half.

I make several batches of this loaf so that I always have enough on hand (or in the freezer) to give one away as a small holiday gift.