Ingredients
3/4 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup sour milk or buttermilk
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt (if unsalted shortening is used, use 1/2 tsp.)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup chopped nuts
3 cups flour
1 cup cut dates
powdered sugar

Directions
Cream shortening with sugar until light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together. Add to creamed mixture and mix. Add sour milk or buttermilk and blend well. Stir in dates and nuts.

Place batter in a shallow baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes, or until done. Cut in strips and roll in powdered sugar.