PICNIC CAKE
1 c. pitted dates, chopped
1 1/2 c. boiling water
Pour water over dates and let set until cool. Put 1 teaspoon soda in date mixture. Cream together 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup shortening, 2 eggs and add date mixture. Mix in 1 1/2 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Pour in greased 9 x 12 cake pan. Sprinkle on top: 1/2 c. chopped nuts 1/2 c. chocolate chips Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.