Chocolate Date Cake

By Jahel

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 c dates (8 oz.)
• 1 c boiling water
• 1 t baking soda
• 1 c sugar
• 1/2 c shortening
• 2 eggs
• powdered sugar
• 1 T grated orange rind
• 1 t vanilla
• 1-3/4 c flour
• 1/2 t salt
• 6 oz. chocolate chips
• 1/2 c chopped nuts

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 9x13 pan. Combine dates, water and soda and set aside until cool. Cream sugar and shortening, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in rind and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; add alternatively with date mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Spoon into pan. Bake 35-40 minutes. Cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or frost if desired.