There is no frosting to melt before time to serve at summer picnics.

1 1/4 c. chopped dates
1 c. hot water
3/4 c. butter or regular butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Mix chopped dates and hot water; set aside to cool. Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Sift together flour, soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with date mixture. Mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and 1/2 cup chocolate pieces. Spread batter in greased 9x13x2 inch baking pan.

Top with remaining chocolate pieces and the nuts. Bake in moderate 350 degree oven about 35 minutes.