1 c. dates, cut up
1 c. hot water
1 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
1 3/4 c. flour
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
1 to 2 c. chocolate chips
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. walnuts

Add soda to dates and pour hot water over them. Set aside to cool. Cream sugar, shortening. Add dates mixture, flour, eggs and salt, cocoa and vanilla. Add half of chocolate chips and pour into greased pan (9 x 13). Sprinkle rest of chocolate chips and all of nuts on top (also sprinkle a little sugar). Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.