Christmas Tree Loaf

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

2 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

2 cups chopped walnuts
(ideally, black walnuts, but good luck finding those)

1/2 lb putted dates, cut fine

1 cup or 1/2 lb maraschino cherry halves, drained

1 6-oz package of semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

Grease 9" x 5" x 3" loaf pan (or tube pan); line with brown paper. Grease paper. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl; stir in nuts, dates, cherries and chocolate pieces. Beat eggs until thick and light in medium-sized bowl; add sugar gradually, continuing to beat until mixture is smooth and fluffy. Make hole in center of flour mixture; pour in egg mixture; fold and stir until ingredients are blended (use your bare hands, it's the only way). Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in slow oven (325°F) about an hour or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake at least 5 minutes on wire rack; loosen around edges with knife; turn out onto rack. When cool, slice thin and serve.