8 oz. pkg. pitted, chopped dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. & 2 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. brown sugar
6 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over dates. Let stand until cool. Add baking soda after cool and mix.

Combine sugar, shortening and eggs. Beat with electric mixer. Add to dates. Add flour, salt, cinnamon and vanilla. Mix until well beaten. Grease 9 x 13 inch pan. Pour in batter. Top batter with brown sugar, chocolate chips and walnuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.