Deanne's Favorite Date Cake

1 cup dates cut in smallish pieces

pour 1 1/2 cups hot water over the dates

when cool add 1 tsp soda

 

cream together:

 1 c. sugar

3/4 c. shortening or butter

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

 

add 2 cups flour 

1 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp salt

 

Add the date mixture and mix all the batter

pour in a greased pan and sprinkle 1/2 C. brown sugar, 1 pkg chocolate chips chocolate chips and 1 c.  walnuts on top and bake 350 for 40 min.