No-Frost Chocolate-Chip Cake

1 cup dates chopped 1 teaspoon soda 1 cup +3 tablespoons hot water 1 cup white sugar 1 cup shortening (or 2 sticks margarine) 2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking cocoa 1 cup miniature chocolate chips, divided 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions:
Place chopped dates in a small bowl. Sprinkle baking soda over them and pour hot water over top. Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Stir in dates. Add flour, salt, and cocoa; beat well. Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips and turn batter into a greased and floured 9x13" pan. Sprinkle 1/2 cup chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the top of the cake. Bake 40 minutes at 350°. Set pan on a wire rack to cool.

Notes:
A recipe from my sister, Charlotte