West Haven Chocolate Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 ounces dates, pitted, chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water, boiling
1 3/4 cups flour, unbleached, sifted
2 tablespoons cocoa, baking
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening, vegetable
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Preparation

Combine dates, baking soda, and boiling water in a small bowl.
Cool to room terperature.
Sift together the flour, cocoa, and salt; set aside.
Cream the shortening and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Blend in date mixture.
Then stir in dry ingredients.
Pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
Bake in preheated 350 degree F. oven for 35 minutes or until cake tests done.
Cool in pan on rack.
Cut into squares and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.