Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour coffee cans.

Step 2

Mix the dates, boiling water, and baking soda in a bowl. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

Mix together the sugar and eggs in a large bowl, then add the butter and vanilla and beat well. Sift the flour and salt together and add to the mixture, stirring just to combine. Gently mix in the dates and nuts, with their liquid, until just combined.

Step 4

Distribute the batter among the cans, filling them about halfway. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a rack.

Step 5

Remove from the cans, wrap in plastic wrap, and mail to friends.