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.