1 c. dates (buy cut up or chopped)
1 c. sugar
1 c. hot tap water
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. shortening
2 eggs, well beaten
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. chocolate chips
Chopped nuts (approximately 1/4 - 1/3 c.)

Grease and flour 13 x 9 inch cake pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Put dates in a small bowl. Sprinkle soda over dates and cover with hot water. Set aside. Sift together flour, cocoa, and salt. Add vanilla to date and water mixture. Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs; beat well to mix. Add flour mixture alternately with date and water mixture, mixing well after each addition. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts. Bake for 35-40 minutes.