1 sm. pkg. dates, cut up
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
2 eggs
2 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. pecans, chopped
1/2 c. chocolate chips

Pour boiling water over the dates and add 1 tsp. baking soda. Cool. Cream 1 cup sugar with shortening then add eggs. Blend flour, 3/4 tsp. baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients alternately with liquid from date mixture to the creamed mixture. Add dates last. Stir gently.

Pour into greased 9x13 inch pan. Spread the pecans and chocolate chips over top and pat down gently. Sift 1/4 cup sugar over all. Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees.