With vanilla.
We learned about soaking dates like this in the post for date cake from Leona from Sterling, Colorado.
From a box sold in Winsted, Connecticut.
Date And Nut Bread
1 cup dates, cut
1 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup nuts
3/4 cup boiling water
2 teaspoons melted butter
Sprinkle soda over dates and pour boiling water over all. Let stand until cool.
Add beaten egg yolk to the dry ingredients. Add melted butter, vanilla, and nuts cut up. Last, add well beaten egg white and bake for 45 minutes in moderate oven.