Dorthea'S West Haven Date Cake
["1 c. hot water", "1 pkg. chopped dates", "1 tsp. baking soda", "1 c. sugar", "1/2 c. shortening", "1/8 tsp. salt", "2 eggs", "1 tsp. vanilla", "1 1/4 c. sifted flour", "1 Tbsp. cocoa"]
["Pour hot water over chopped dates.", "Add baking soda to mixture and set aside to cool.", "Cream sugar and shortening.", "Mix date mixture with creamed sugar, shortening and salt.", "Add eggs and vanilla.", "Add flour and cocoa.", "Blend well.", "Pour into 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan, lightly greased.", "Sprinkle batter with 1/2 cup Hershey's mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped nuts.", "Bake 35 minutes at 325\u00b0 if glass pan or 350\u00b0 for tin pan.", "Serve plain or with whipped cream.", "Serves 15."]
["water", "dates", "baking soda", "sugar", "shortening", "salt", "eggs", "vanilla", "flour", "cocoa"]