Chocolate Chip-Date Cake

1 c Dates; chopped

1 c Sugar

1 ts Baking soda

1 1/4 c Flour

3 tb Flour

1 1/2 c Boiling water

3/4 ts Baking powder

1/2 c Shortening

1/4 ts Salt

2 Eggs; well beaten

-----topping----- 6 oz Chocolate chips

1/2 c Chopped nuts

1/2 c Sugar

I first tasted this cake 28 years ago at a Family Reunion, and have enjoyed it many times since. Pour boiling water over dates and baking soda; mix and let cool. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar; add beaten eggs and mix well. Add cooled date mixture and blend together. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together, and add to date mixture. Mix well. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13-inch pan. Over top of cake batter add evenly: chocolate chips, sugar and nuts. Bake at 350` for 30-35 minutes. Contributed by Helen Jolly. Formatted by Olivia Liebermann -----