1 cup boiling water
1 cup of chopped dates
1 tsp of baking soda
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1&1/2 cups of flour (sifted)
1 tsp vanilla

Pour boiling water over cut up dates and baking soda, let cool. Cream shortening and sugar in another bowl, add remaining ingredients and mix well, then add date mixture and stir well. Bake in a well greased square baking pan at 350 for 35-40 minutes. If desired while still hot sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts. Serve warm with whip cream or ice cream. Good cool too!