• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup butter and 1/ cups shortening
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups sifted white flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 6 oz pkg semisweet chocolate pieces

1. Cut dates into small pieces.
2. Combine dates with baking soda and boiling water.
3. Set aside. Cream together butter, shortening, and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
5. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Add to creamed mixture alternately with date mixture.
7. Pour batter into greased and floured 9x13" pan.
8. Combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar with walnuts and chocolate.
9. Sprinkle evenly over cake. Bake at 350° F. for 40 minutes or until cake shrinks from sides of pan.

Serve warm or cool. If desired, drizzle with thin vanilla icing.