Chocolate Chip Date Nut Cake

1 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 (6 ounce) package chocolate chips
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Pour water over dates and add 1 teaspoon baking soda. Stir mixture several times and let cool.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.

Cream together shortening, sugar and beaten eggs. Add date mixture. Mix well.

Combine flour, salt and 3/4 teaspoon baking soda. Add to date mixture, mixing well. Top with chocolate chips, sugar and nuts before baking. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

I like this sprinkled with confectioners' sugar.