1 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 c. chopped dates
1 c. hot water
1 3/4 c. flour
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. chopped nuts
1 c. chocolate chips

Pour hot water over chopped dates. Let cool. Cream sugar, shortening and eggs. Sift flour, cocoa, salt and soda together. Add dry ingredients alternately with date mixture to creamed mixture. Add vanilla. May put half of chocolate chips and nuts into mixture and remaining on top, or put nuts and chocolate chips all on top. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar on unbaked batter. Bake in greased and floured 9 x 13 inch pan at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.