Holiday Date Brownies

Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 (16 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Combine the dates and boiling water in a small bowl.
2. Cool to room temperature.
3. With an electric mixer, cream shortening; gradually add sugar and beat well.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract and date mixture; mix well.
5. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in another mixing bowl.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, with the beater at low speed; mix until combined.
7. Spread the mixture in a 15 x 10 inch jellyroll pan coated with vegetable spray.
8. Sprinkle the top with the nuts and chocolate chips.
9. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes.
10. Cool completely in the pan.
11. Cut into 2 inch squares.