1 c. dates, chopped
1 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs, well beaten
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 pkg. chocolate chips
1/2 c. nuts, chopped

Combine dates, boiling water and soda. Cool. Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs. Add date mixture. Sift flour, salt, cocoa, mix; add vanilla. Put in 9 x 13 inch cake pan. Top with chocolate chips and nuts. Bake 40 minutes at 325 degrees.

Makes its own frosting. Can be topped with ice cream or whipped cream.