Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease well a 9-by-5-by-3-inch bread pan. In a large bowl, place the dry ingredients and stir to blend well before adding any lquids. Beat the eggs slightly; add the oil and sugar and continue to beat until well-mixed. Combine with the dry ingredients; add the chopped nuts and the vanilla (optional); blend well. Pour into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack. Yields 1 loaf.