Picnic Cake

1 c. Chopped Dates
1 1/2 c. Boiling Water
1 t. Baking Soda
1 c. Sugar
3/4 c. Shortening
1 t. Vanilla
1 3/4 c. Flour
1/2 t. Salt

2 Eggs, Beaten

1 t. Cinnamon

Topping: 

1/2 c. Brown Sugar

1/2 c. Chopped Nuts

3/4 c. Chocolate Chips

Combine dates, water and soda.  Set aside.

Combine sugar and shortening, blend well.

Add rest of cake ingredients.  

Mix together in a bowl the topping ingredients.  Put on top of cake.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.