Blind Date Cake Recipe

Stir and mash dates in the hot water. Cool and add the baking soda. Cream together the shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add this to the date mixture. Stir together the flour, cocoa, and salt, then add to the creamed mixture. Heat oven to 325° and prepare a 9 1/2 X 11 inch pan or 2 - 9 inch round pans with shortening and flour. Pour batter into pan(s) and top with 1/2 C. sugar, 1 C. chocolate chips, and 1/2 C. nuts. Sprinkle and press down. Bake for 35 minutes.