Chocolate Chip Date Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. dates, cut in small pieces
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 tsp. soda
1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. sugar, divided
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. soda
6 oz. pkg. chocolate chips
1/2 c. nuts, chopped (optional)

Preparation

Pour water over dates and add 1 teaspoon soda.
Let cool. Cream together shortening, 1 cup sugar and eggs.
Add date mixture and mix well.
Add flour, salt and 3/4 teaspoon soda.
Mix well and put batter in 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
Top with chocolate chips, 1/2 cup sugar and nuts.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 35 to 40 minutes.