Starting in the 60's my mom made these using Campbell's soup cans. More times than not she used half raisins and half dates.
Boil 2/3 c water. In a bowl 1/2 stick butter, 1/2 lb dates and 2/3 c sugar. Mix well. Add a slightly beaten egg and 1 cup walnuts. Sift 1 3/4 c flour with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda. Add to the date mixture. Mix well. Grease 5 small cans, or 2 large cans. Fill the cans 2/3 full and press down with a spoon. Place the cans on a cookie sheet and then place another greased cookie sheet over the top of the cans. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 min. Let stand for about 10 min. before removing the bread from the cans. Eating warm is best!