1 c. chopped dates
1 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
3/4 c. chopped nuts

Combine dates, water and soda; let stand until cool. Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add cocoa and vanilla; blend well. Slowly add the flour, salt and cream of tartar. Stir until well blended. Add date mixture and mix well. Pour into greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts over top of cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.