Chocolate Date Squares

• FOR BASE
• 2 cups dates, chopped
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• FOR TOPPING
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup nuts, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, then grease & flour a 13"x9" baking pan.
2. FOR BASE ~ In a saucepam. combine dates & water. Bring to a low boil, then remove from heat & set aside to cool. Do not drain.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar & shortening.
4. Add eggs, flour, baking soda & salt, mixing well.
5. Add dates & mix, then pour into prepared baking pan.
6. FOR TOPPING ~ Combine the 3 topping ingredients, then sprinkle that mixture over the batter.
7. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

for, dates, water, sugar, shortening, eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, semisweet chocolate chips, brown sugar, nuts

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/chocolate-date-squares-324305 (may not work)