1 cup chopped dates
1 tsp soda

Pour over this 1 1/2 cup hot water, cool.

1/2 cup shortening (I use margarine), 1 cup sugar. Cream and add 2 eggs. 1 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp soda. Add this to the date mixture (this will be thick).

Topping: 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup Brown sugar, ½ cup nuts. Mix and pour over first part of cake.

Pour into 13 inch pan and bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with dream whip, whip cream or ice cream.