Chocolate Chip Date Nut Cake

1 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 (6 ounce) package chocolate chips
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Pour water over dates and add 1 teaspoon baking soda. Stir mixture several times and let cool.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.

Cream together shortening, sugar and beaten eggs. Add date mixture. Mix well.

Combine flour, salt and 3/4 teaspoon baking soda. Add to date mixture, mixing well. Top with chocolate chips, sugar and nuts before baking. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

After cooled, dust top with confectioners' sugar, if desired.