1 c. chopped dates
1 1/2 c. boiling water
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 sm. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Combine dates, boiling water and 1 1/2 teaspoon of soda and cool for 20 minutes. Mix shortening, sugar, eggs, flour, soda, and salt; add date mixture. Stir only until well mixed. Pour into greased and floured 9 x 12 inch baking pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips and 1/4 cup sugar over batter (do not mix into cake). This makes a topping, so no frosting is needed. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serves 16-20. Keeps a week or more.