1 c. chopped dates
1 c. boiling water
2/3 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. sifted flour (cake)
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. nuts

Combine dates and water; cool. Stir shortening to soften; add sugar and cream. Blend in vanilla. Add eggs one at a time. Sift together flour, cocoa, soda, salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with date mixture.

Spread in greased 13x9 pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips and walnuts over top, pressing in a little. Bake in a 350 degree oven (40-45 minutes). Cool in pan. Serve with whipped cream or dust with powdered sugar.