1 c. chopped dates
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. butter
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
1 3/4 c. flour
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Bring water to a boil; add dates and 1 teaspoon of the baking soda. Stir and set aside to cool a bit. In a separate bowl, cream butter and 1 cup of the sugar. Then add eggs, beating well after each one. Combine salt, remaining 3/4 teaspoon baking soda and flour. Blend into the butter mixture. Lastly, add the date mixture and combine well.

Pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch pan. Combine in a small bowl the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, the chocolate chips and the walnuts. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or more. Test for doneness by using a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake before removing from oven. Serves 12.