Picnic Cake

I think my sister, Margaret, was the discoverer of this recipe. But since she introduced it to us it has become a Martin classic. Everybody loves it. No picnic is complete without it. But it's good anytime!

Picnic Cake

combine the following:
1 cup raisins (or 1 cup chopped dates)
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 teaspoon soda
Cream:
¾ cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir in:
1 ¾ cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Add raisin mixture. Place in greased, floured pan. Top with ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup nuts.

Bake at 350º for 40 minutes.