Ingredients

• 1 cup dates cut up
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon soda
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Dissolve soda in hot water and cool.

Cream shortening and sugar. Add flour mixture alternately with date mixture. Sprinkle top with 1/2 cup nuts and 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degree oven.