Pour boiling water over 1 cup cut dates and the soda. Add sugar, shortening, egg (slightly beaten) and vanilla. Mix flour, cocoa, salt, nuts and chocolate chips into mixture. Fill cupcake tins or papers about 2/3 full. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 24 minutes. Makes 20 to 24 cupcakes. Frost, if desired.
Converted by MC_Buster.