Crush soda in the palm of your hand and add to the oatmeal and salt
Cut suet or butter into the mixture with a knife. Add hot buttermilk and molasses, then beaten egg and mix well
Add raisins and dates last. Put this batter into a buttered mold no more than 2/3 full, cover closely, place mold in another dish of boiling water, having the water come half way up on the mold
Steam 2 or 2 1/2 hours adding hot water to the steamer as required. Serve hot with sauce. Leftovers may be warmed in a strainer placed over boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.
