Cream shortening and sugar until fluffly.
Add egg and beat thoroughly.
Sift flour, salt, baking powder, and soda together.
Add alternately with buttermilk to the creamed mixture.
Fold in nuts and dates.
Pour into 2 greased 13x9 pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for20-25 minutes.
Cut into 1x4 inch bars.
While still warm, roll in confectioners sugar.
Store in a tightly covered container.
Makes 48 bars.