1 pkg. pitted dates (7 or 8 oz.)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. hot water
1/2 c. softened butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
2 tbsp. cocoa
6 oz. pkg. Nestle's chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Cut up dates, sprinkle on baking soda and pour on hot water; set aside. Cream butter and sugar.

Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa and add to sugar mixture. Stir date mixture and pour into batter; beating just until mixed. Fold in HALF the chocolate bits and nuts. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9 inch tube pan or a 13 x 9 inch square pan. Sprinkle on remaining chocolate bits and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees at 9 inch tube pan - 55 minutes. 13 x 9 inch square pan - 45 minutes.