West Haven Chocolate Cake

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 16

Ingredients

• 8  ounces dates, pitted, chopped
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  cup water, boiling
• 1 3⁄4 cups flour, unbleached, sifted
• 2  tablespoons  cocoa, baking
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup shortening, vegetable
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  large eggs
• 6  ounces  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1⁄2 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

1. Combine dates, baking soda, and boiling water in a small bowl.
2. Cool to room terperature.
3. Sift together the flour, cocoa, and salt; set aside.
4. Cream the shortening and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Blend in date mixture.
7. Then stir in dry ingredients.
8. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
9. Bake in preheated 350 degree F. oven for 35 minutes or until cake tests done.
10. Cool in pan on rack.
11. Cut into squares and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.