Preheat oven to 175° C (350° F ).
Grease and flour a 23 x 13 cm ( 9x5 inch) loaf
pan.In a saucepan over medium heat, bring dates
and water to a boil.
Stir in butter and sugar until melted.
Remove from heat and stir in bicarbonate of soda.
Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Place date mixture into a large bowl.
Blend in flour, eggs and vanilla.
Stir in chopped walnuts (optional).
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes,
or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of
the cake comes out cleanly.
Let it cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out
onto a wire rack and cool completely.
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