Cake:

1 c. pitted and chopped dates
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 3/4 tsp. baking soda divided
1/2 c. Crisco
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 c. plus 3 tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix together dates, boiling water, and 1 tsp. baking soda. Let cool. Add Crisco, eggs and vanilla to cooled date mixture. Stir in remaining dry ingredients. Pour into greased and floured 13 x 9 inch pan. Cover with topping.

Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Top each piece with Cool Whip before serving.

Topping:

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

Mix together.