1 c. dates, cut up
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 c. sugar
6 oz. chocolate chips

Mix dates, soda and boiling water; let cool. Cream shortening and 1 1/4 cups sugar; add eggs, one at a time. Sift flour, baking powder and salt and add to creamed mixture alternately with cooled date mixture. Pour into a greased 9"x13" pan and top with the walnuts, 1/2 cup sugar and chocolate chips. Bake 45 minutes at 325 degrees.