1 c. dates, cut up
1 c. boiling water
1/2 c. shortening
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cocoa, heaping
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1 3/4 c. flour, sifted
1 c. sugar
1 pkg. chocolate chips
1/2 c. nutmeats
1/2 c. sugar

Let dates stand in boiling water while mixing cake batter. Cream shortening, add sugar, cocoa, eggs and vanilla and beat well. Add date and hot water mixture, then add flour which has been sifted with soda and salt. Beat well. Pour batter into a 9"x13" pan that has been greased. Sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped nutmeats and the 1/2 cup sugar over top of the batter. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes.