Holiday Date Brownies

8 ounces dates, pitted and chopped
1 cup boiling water
1 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 (16 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

Combine the dates and boiling water in a small bowl. Cool to room temperature.

With an electric mixer, cream shortening; gradually add sugar and beat well. Add the eggs, vanilla extract and date mixture; mix well.

Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in another mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, with the beater at low speed; mix until combined.

Spread the mixture in a 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan coated with vegetable spray. Sprinkle the top with the nuts and chocolate chips.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely in the pan. Cut into 2-inch squares.

Yield: 3 dozen