1 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 c. chopped dates
1 c. hot water
1 3/4 c. flour
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
3/4 c. chopped nuts

Cream shortening and sugar together. Pour hot water over chopped dates and let stand until lukewarm. Sift flour, cocoa, salt, and soda together. Add eggs to creamed mixture. Add dry ingredients alternately with date mixture to creamed mixture. Add vanilla.

Put into greased and flour 9x13 inch pan and sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped nuts over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.