CAKE:

6 1/2 oz. pkg. dates, chopped fine
1 c. hot water
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. shortening
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 2/3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

FROSTING:

1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 c. finely chopped nuts

Pour hot water over dates. Cool. Combine sugar, shortening, egg, and vanilla in bowl. Beat 5 minutes. Sift flour, soda, salt together. Add alternately with date mixture. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Blend until smooth. Pour in 9x9x1 inch pan. Sprinkle topping on batter and bake. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.