Telephone Bars

1 cup chopped dates
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chocolate chips

Pour the boiling water over the chopped dates and soda in a small bowl. Mix and cool. Cream the sugar and shortening. Add the eggs, vanilla, salt and cocoa. Then add the flour alternately with the date mixture and beat well. Spread in a greased 9" X 13" pan and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Bake at 350° for 30 - 35 minutes. Cut into bars when thoroughly cooled

NOTES : The friend that gave me this recipe said that every time she served it, her guests telephoned the next day for the recipe!