PARTY DATE

3 cups dates, cut up
3 cups boiling water
4 1/2 cups flour
4 cups sugar, divided use
1 1/2 cups shortening
6 eggs
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tsp baking soda
1 cup chopped nuts
2 cups chocolate cups

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 loaf pans.

Mix dates and 3 cups boiling water together and allow to cool.

Combine flour, 3 cups sugar, shortening, eggs, and cocoa powder; set aside.

Add baking soda to date mixture and combine with the flour mixture. Pour into prepared pans.

Combine the remaining 1 cup sugar, nuts and chocolate chips. Sprinkle over each loaf.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Slice and serve hot. Garnish with whipped cream.

Source: Mrs. Henry D. Chaplin