6 1/2 oz. pkg. dates, finely cut
1 c. hot water
1/4 c. soft shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 2/3 c. Gold Medal flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a pan.

Pour hot water over dates. Cool. Combine shortening, sugar, egg and vanilla; beat 5 minutes. Sift together flour, soda and salt. On low speed, add alternately in four additions with date mixture. (Begin and end with dry ingredients.) Blend just until smooth. Add nuts.

Pour into pan. Sprinkle Choco-Nut Topping on batter. Bake 40 to 50 minutes.

1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 c. finely chopped nuts

Mix chocolate pieces, sugar and nuts.