1 c. dates
1 1/4 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour
2 tbsp. cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt

TOPPING:

1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped nuts

Combine dates, boiling water and soda. Set aside to cool. Combine sugar, shortening and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy. Combine flour, cocoa and salt and add to sugar/egg/shortening mixture. Stir to combine. Beat in date mixture. Spread in a greased and floured 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with the topping mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes.