1 c. chopped dates
1 tsp. grated orange peel
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. boiling water
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking power
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine dates, baking soda, and boiling water and set aside. Cream shortening and sugar until light. Beat in egg. Combine flour, baking powder and salt and add alternately with the date mixture. Pour into greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle Pecan Topping (recipe follows) over batter and bake about 1 hour or until done.

PECAN TOPPING:

1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle over Date Cake.