Date Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. chopped dates
1 tsp. soda
1 c. boiling water
1/3 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. cocoa
1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. chocolate chips

Preparation

Pour boiling water over chopped dates and soda in small bowl; mix and cool.
Cream sugar and shortening; add the eggs, vanilla, salt and cocoa.
Then add the flour alternately with the date mixture and beat well.
Spread in greased 9 x 13-inch pan and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Bake at 350\u00b0.
You may substitute 1/2 cup whole wheat flour for 1/2 cup white flour. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.