1 c. dates, chopped
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. boiling water
3/4 c. Crisco
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chocolate chips a 1/2 c. broken walnuts

Combine dates, soda and boiling water, cool. Cream Crisco, sugar and eggs. Add 1 teaspoon date mixture, stir well. Then add remaining mixture. Mix flour, baking powder and cinnamon. Add to date mixture. Add vanilla, mix. Put into 2 (9 inch) baking pans, greased, but not floured. Top in order with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup walnuts. Bake at 375 degrees 25 to 30 minutes.