(This is a recipe I have had for many years but still enjoy.)

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

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9 x 9 inch pan. Pour hot water over dates. Cool. Combine shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla in bowl. Beat for 5 minutes. Sift together the dry ingredients. On low speed, add dry ingredients and date mixture alternately in 4 additions to the egg mixture. Blend until smooth. Add nuts. Pour in pan and sprinkle with topping. Bake about 15 minutes.

TOPPING:

1/2 c. chocolate chips
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 c. nuts, chopped