Gran'ma Wood's Date Nut Bread

1 cup cut-up dates

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 Tablespoons shortening

1 cup hot water

1 egg

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

2 ½ cups sifted flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup coarsely chopped nuts

Remove pits from dates and cut across with scissors into 4 or 5 pieces;  place in bowl.  Sprinkle dates with soda and drop shortening on top;  pour hot water over all and let stand until cool.  Beat egg and gradually beat in sugars.  Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.  Add the egg mixture alternately with date mixture, beating well after each addition.  Add nuts.  Place batter in a well greased and floured loaf pan and bake in a moderate (350°) oven 1 hour.  Removed from pan and cool on rack.