1 (7 oz.) pkg. dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. hot water
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 bars semi-sweet chocolate or pkg. chocolate bits
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Cut dates into small pieces. Add water. Bring to a boil. Let cool. Drain, saving the water. Sift flour 3 times. Sift with soda, cocoa and salt. Cream shortening with sugar. Add vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Alternately add the flour and date water. Add the dates with last addition of dry ingredients.