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

TOPPING:

1 pkg. mini chocolate chips
1/4 c. sugar

Combine boiling water and dates; let set until lukewarm. Cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Sift together flour, soda, salt and cocoa. Add alternately the dry ingredients and the date mixture to the creamed mixture.

Stir 3/4 cup chocolate chips (mini) into batter and pour into 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle the remaining chips on top with 1/4 cup sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Doesn't need icing - good with Cool Whip.