8 oz Dates; Pitted, Chopped
1 ts Baking Soda
1 c  ;Boiling Water
1 3/4 c  Flour; Unbleached, Sifted
2 tb Cocoa; Baking
1/2 ts Salt
1 c  Shortening; Vegetable
1 c  Sugar
2    Eggs; Large
6 oz Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 c  Walnuts; Chopped

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.