Chocolate Chip Date Cake
["1 c. dates, cut in small pieces", "1 1/2 c. boiling water", "1 tsp. soda", "1/2 c. shortening", "1 1/2 c. sugar, divided", "2 eggs, beaten", "1 1/2 c. flour", "1/4 tsp. salt", "3/4 tsp. soda", "6 oz. pkg. chocolate chips", "1/2 c. nuts, chopped (optional)"]
["Pour water over dates and add 1 teaspoon soda.", "Let cool. Cream together shortening, 1 cup sugar and eggs.", "Add date mixture and mix well.", "Add flour, salt and 3/4 teaspoon soda.", "Mix well and put batter in 9 x 13-inch cake pan.", "Top with chocolate chips, 1/2 cup sugar and nuts.", "Bake at 350\u00b0 for 35 to 40 minutes."]
["dates", "boiling water", "soda", "shortening", "sugar", "eggs", "flour", "salt", "soda", "chocolate chips", "nuts"]