1 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
1 1/4 c. flour plus 2 tbsp.
2 beaten eggs
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 c. dates
1 1/4 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Cut dates in small pieces. Mix with soda and boil water in a small bowl, set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening with sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add beaten eggs. In a separate bowl add flour and cocoa together. Alternate the flour mixture and date mixture to the creamed sugar until both are used up. Add salt.

After batter is well mixed, pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 x 2 inch cake pan. Scatter 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup walnut pieces over cake batter. Sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar evenly over all. Bake 35 to 40 minutes in 350 degree oven.