1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/3 c. sugar, divided
1/2 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1/3 c. chopped walnuts
3/4 c. solid vegetable shortening
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. water
1 c. chopped dates

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. In medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, soda and salt, set aside. In medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup sugar, chocolate and walnuts, set aside.

In large bowl, with electric mixer on high speed, cream shortening and remaining 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. At low speed, alternately stir in flour mixture and water just until blended; stir in dates. Pour batter into pan. Sprinkle with nut mixture. Bake 35 minutes until cake tester inserted comes out clean. Cool completely and cut into squares. Serves about 24 people.