Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 cup chopped dates.

1 3/4 c. flour
1 c. butter
1/4 c. cocoa
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. soda
2 beaten eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. nuts
1 c. chocolate chips

Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Add dry ingredients. Alternate with dates. Pour batter into greased pan. Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate chips. Press them into batter lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.