Chocolate Chip Cake

1 C Dates
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 C white Sugar
1 C Shortening
2 Eggs
1/2 tsp Salt
2 C Flour
1 TBS Cocoa
1 TBS Vanilla
1 C Chocolate Chips (divided)
1/2 C Chopped Nuts (if desired)

In a bowl add together Dates, Baking Soda, Sugar, and Shortening. Pour in 1 C and 3 TBS HOT water. Let stand.

In amother bowl add Eggs, Salt, Flour, Cocoa, and Vanilla.

Cream together Dates mixture then add to other mixture. Add 1/2 C Chocolate Chips. Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle top with remaining Chocolate Chips (and chopped nuts if desired).

Bake at 350* for 40 minutes.

This is my dh's favorite Birthday cake.