West Haven Cake

3/4 lb Dates; cut in half

1 c Hot water

1 ts Soda

1 c Sugar

1/2 c Shortening

1/4 ts Salt

2 Eggs; beaten

1 ts Vanilla

1 3/4 c Flour

1 ts Cocoa

1/2 c Pecans; whole

1 Chocolate chips; small pack

-ge Over dates, pour hot water with soda. Let cool. Cream sugar and shortening. Add dates and salt. Add eggs, vanilla and flour sifted with cocoa. Pour in 9 x 13" pan. Sprinkle pecans and chocolate chips over dough in pan. Bake 40 minutes in moderate (350 degree) oven. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.