Picnic Cake

Mary K. Jones

I shared this recipe with a friend years and years ago and it became one of her family's favorite cakes. Meanwhile I forgot about it - until she reminded me I had given her the recipe for her family's favorite cake and I asked her for the recipe back! I made it for my daughter and son-in-law and their family and it became their favorite too! My son-in-law was recently killed in a motorcycle accident and now this cake reminds me of him - he loved it so much.

1 c. chopped dates
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt

Topping:
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. walnuts, chopped

Combine dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Stir and set aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in cooled date mixture. Add cinnamon, flour, and salt. Mix until well combined. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle brown sugar, chocolate chips, and nuts evenly over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes.