Date Picnic Cake

Picnic cakes are usually topped with something other than frosting for ease in transport.  This is a dense cake, with a great topping. My mother shared the recipe, but it came to her from Birdie Hunter--a lovely grandma lady from my childhood memories, who had a way with food.  I think it would be a good one for potlucks at any season or nice served as a breakfast/coffee cake.

Date Picnic Cake
1 1/4 c. dates, chopped
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. boiling water

Place dates in a small bowl.  Sprinkle baking soda over the dates and pour boiling water over all.  Let cool.

In a mixing bowl, combine:
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs

Cream together.  Then add:
2 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix together, then stir in date mixture.  Spread into a greased 9x13 pan.

Top with:
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1/2 c. brown sugar

Sprinkle on chips, nuts, and finally sugar over all.  Bake at 350 for 35-40 min. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake, until it comes out clean.

Notes:  I had to bake mine a bit longer.

Jenny