Step #2 In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat egg whites until foamy.
Step #3 With the mixer on high speed, about a tableshppon at a time, until whites fold stiff, beat in salt; then slowly add sugar, beating well after each addition, glossy peaks.
Step #4 Add vanilla & beat for 1 min.
Step #5 Fold in dates & walnuts.
Step #6 Drop meringue mixture by rounded tspfulls onto well-greased cooking sheets, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart.
Step #7 Bake in a 200°F oven for 1 hr or until outside is dry & set; cookies should not turn brown.
Step #8 Let cool on baking sheets for about 5 mins, then transfer to racks & let cool completely.