Date Bars

Gladys Cole

6 12  ounces finely cut dates

1 cup hot water

¼ cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 2/3 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped nuts

Topping:

½ cup chocolate chips

2 Tablespoons sugar

½ cup chopped nuts

Pour hot water over dates and cool, grease 9x 9” pan.  Combine shortening, sugar, egg & vanilla and mix til fluffy. 

Add dry ingredients alternately with dates beginning and ending with flour.  Add nuts. 

Put in pan and sprinkle with topping mixture.  Bake 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.