Chocolate Date Squares - cooking recipe

Ingredients

FOR BASE
2 cups dates, chopped
1 cup hot water
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
FOR TOPPING
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, then grease & flour a 13\"x9\" baking pan.
FOR BASE ~ In a saucepam. combine dates & water. Bring to a low boil, then remove from heat & set aside to cool. Do not drain.
In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar & shortening.
Add eggs, flour, baking soda & salt, mixing well.
Add dates & mix, then pour into prepared baking pan.
FOR TOPPING ~ Combine the 3 topping ingredients, then sprinkle that mixture over the batter.
Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.