8 oz. pkg. dates (cut in half, if whole)
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
2 c. flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

TOPPING:

1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. nuts

Mix dates, boiling water and 1 teaspoon baking soda together. Cool. Cream together sugar, shortening, and eggs. Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture and liquid from dates alternately to creamed mixture. Fold in dates. Pour into greased 9 x 12 pan. Sprinkle topping over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.