1 1/4 c. boiling water
1 (8 oz.) pkg. pitted whole dates, snipped
1 pkg. (2 layer size) chocolate cake mix
1 (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
Optional: Vanilla ice cream

Grease and lightly flour a 13x9x2 inch baking pan; set aside.

Pour boiling water over dates; cool. Prepare cake mix according to package directions except substitute date mixture for the liquid. Turn batter into prepared pan. Top evenly with chocolate pieces and nuts. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake tests done. Serve with ice cream, if desired. Makes 12 servings.