Categories: Chocolate, Cakes, Fruits, Desserts 
      Yield: 16 servings 
  
      8 oz Dates; Pitted, Chopped 
      1 c  ;Boiling Water 
      2 tb Cocoa; Baking 
      1 c  Shortening; Vegetable 
      2    Eggs; Large 
    1/2 c  Walnuts; Chopped 
      1 ts Baking Soda 
  1 3/4 c  Flour; Unbleached, Sifted 
    1/2 ts Salt 
      1 c  Sugar 
      6 oz Semisweet Chocolate Chips 
  
  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.