Date Nut Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 eggs, separated
2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (8 ounce) packages chopped dates
1 pound chopped walnuts

Adjust oven to lowest rack. Grease 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

In bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.

In medium bowl beat egg whites until frothy. Beat in 1/3 cup sugar until light; then add dry ingredients and mix well. Beat in vanilla extract. Mix in dates and nuts. Fold in egg whites. Bake 1 hour at 375 degrees F; reduce temperature to 300 degrees F and bake 40 minutes more. Cool in pan 15 minutes.

Turn out on rack; cool completely. Wrap tightly; can be stored 1 to 3 weeks. Before serving, sprinkle with confectioners sugar.