1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 c. chopped dates
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. flour (half whole wheat if desired)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. cocoa

TOPPING:

1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. chopped nuts (opt.)

Pour boiling water over dates. Refrigerate to cool. Mix up the batter. Cream shortening and sugar; beat in eggs. Stir together dry ingredients. Add dry mixture alternately with cooled date mixture, beating well after each addition. Spread in greased 9"x13" pan. Sprinkle evenly first with chips, then sugar, then nuts, if used. Pat down gently. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.