1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 pounds dates, pitted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) bottle maraschino cherries, drained
2 pounds walnuts, shelled
5 large eggs

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add (do not chop) dates, fruit and nuts to flour mixture. Stir to coat the fruit and nuts.

Beat eggs well. Stir in vanilla extract. Mix into flour-nut mixture (easiest way to do this is with your hands). Spoon into 3 greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until browned. Cool before slicing.