1 c. finely chopped dates
1 1/4 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. salt
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/4 c. sifted flour

Heat oven to 325 degrees - grease and flour 9 inch square pan.

DATE FILLING: In small saucepan, mix dates and water. Bring to boil and simmer 5 minutes. Cool, stir in soda. In mixing bowl cream shortening, 1 cup sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth and blended. Sift flour, cocoa and salt. Add flour mixture and date mixture to creamed mixture, beat until blended. Turn into prepared pan.

CHOCOLATE NUT TOPPING: Mix remaining sugar, chocolate chips and nuts together and sprinkle over batter in pan. Bake 35-40 minutes or until tests done.