Chocolate Surprise Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. chopped dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. boiling water
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. cocoa
1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped walnuts
powdered sugar

Preparation

Pour boiling water over dates and baking soda in a small bowl; mix and cool.
Cream sugar and shortening.
Add eggs, vanilla, salt and cocoa.
Add flour alternately with date mixture and beat well.
Spread into greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts.
Bake 30 to 40 minutes at 350\u00b0. Dust immediately with powdered sugar when removed from oven.