1 c. dates, cut
1 1/4 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. flour
3 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt

TOPPING:

1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 sm. pkg. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Cut up dates to equal one cup. Add to boiling water; stir and mash. Cool; add baking soda. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs and vanilla. Sift flour, cocoa, and salt; add date mixture then add creamed mixture; stir together well. Pour into greased oblong pan (9 x 13 x 2). Spread on topping and press gently into batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.