• Preheat the oven to 350 F.
• Grease and flour a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan.
• In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy; add the applesauce and stir to blend.
• In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves; stir to mix thoroughly. Stir the dry mixture into applesauce mixture.
• Fold in the dates or raisins and pecans or walnuts. Stir just to blend.
• Sppoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Cool the cake in the pan on a rack.

Optional Vanilla Icing

• In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine the confectioners' sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Continue adding milk, about 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency for pouring or spreading. Beat until smooth.
• Pour or spread over the cooled cake, as desired.