1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.
2Beat egg slightly. Add butter and sugar. Beat smooth. Zest one orange; set 1 tablespoon zest aside. Juice 2 oranges. Place juice in a 1 cup measure and add boiling water to fill the cup. Stir zest, juice and vanilla into batter.
3In another bowl, put flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Stir in walnuts and dates. Pour over batter. Stir to moisten. Spoon into greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.
4Bake in 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 1 hour until it tests done. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Finish cooling and wrap.