Combine the dates, hot water, and baking soda. Let stand.
Cream the sugar and shortening together.
Add the eggs and vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients alternately with the date mixture.
Stir in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips.
Pour into a greased 9 × 13-inch cake pan.
Sprinkle an additional ½ cup chopped nuts and ½ cup chocolate chips over the batter.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.