3/4 lb Dates; cut in half
1 c  Hot water
1 ts Soda
1 c  Sugar
1/2 c  Shortening
1/4 ts Salt
2    Eggs; beaten
1 ts Vanilla
1 3/4 c  Flour
1 ts Cocoa
1/2 c  Pecans; whole
1    Chocolate chips; small pack
-ge

Over dates, pour hot water with soda. Let cool. Cream
sugar and shortening. Add dates and salt. Add eggs,
vanilla and flour sifted with cocoa. Pour in 9 x 13″
pan. Sprinkle pecans and chocolate chips over dough in
pan. Bake 40 minutes in moderate (350 degree) oven.
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.