1 c. chopped dates
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 well-beaten eggs
1 3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
6 oz. pkg. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 c. white sugar

Combine the first 3 ingredients and allow to cool. Cream together the shortening, sugar and eggs; add the cooled date mixture. Sift together the flour, salt and soda. Combine with the first mixture. Mix well and pour into a well-greased and floured 9x13 cake pan.

Mix together the chocolate chips, walnuts, and sugar. Sprinkle over the cake batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.