2/3 to 1 c. cut dates
1/2 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. sugar
3 eggs
2 bananas
2/3 c. shortening
4 tbsp. cocoa
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Arrange dates in small pan and sprinkle with soda. Pour boiling water over dates and mix. Let stand while mixing remaining ingredients. Mix sugar and bananas by hand or electric mixer. Add shortening, eggs, cocoa, salt, flour date mixture and nuts.

Pour into a greased 18x12-inch cookie pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-50 minutes. Frost with a fudge frosting.