Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt together and set aside. Cream the shortening and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer set on medium speed. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredientss alternately with the applesauce to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition, using the mixer set on low speed. Pour the batter into a greased 13 X 9 X 5 cm baking pan. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Bake in a preheated 180ºC . oven for 35 minutes or until the cake test done. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. From The Farm Journal's Complete Home Baking Book Copyright 1975