Chocolate Date Cake
["1 c. chopped dates", "1 c. hot water", "1 tsp. baking soda", "1 c. sugar", "1/2 c. shortening", "1/2 tsp. salt", "1 tsp. vanilla", "1 3/4 c. flour", "1/2 tsp. baking soda", "2 tsp. cocoa", "1 well beaten egg", "1 c. chocolate chips", "1/2 c. chopped nuts"]
["Mix together dates, hot water and soda.", "Let cool.", "Cream sugar, shortening, salt and vanilla and add date mixture.", "Mix in dry ingredients and then the egg.", "Place in greased 9 x 13-inch pan.", "Top with the chocolate pieces and chopped nuts.", "Bake 35 to 40 minutes at 350\u00b0."]
["dates", "water", "baking soda", "sugar", "shortening", "salt", "vanilla", "flour", "baking soda", "cocoa", "egg", "chocolate chips", "nuts"]