1 c. dates, cut up fine
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. hot water
1 egg
1 c. white sugar
1 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. lard
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. nuts

Add soda to the dates and pour hot water over them. Cream lard and sugar, then combine with the dates, flour, eggs, cocoa and vanilla, chocolate chips. Put in a 13x9 pan. May put 1/2 cup chocolate chips in the cake, the other 1/2 sprinkled on top of cake. Bake 30 to 40 minutes in 350 oven. Makes 16-25 cupcakes or bake in angel food pan.