1 c. boiling water
1 c. butter
1 c. dates
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
Chocolate chips and nuts as desired

Put 1 cup dates into 1 cup boiling water and let stand while mixing other ingredients. Mix together 1 cup butter, 1 cup sugar and 2 eggs. Mix together the following dry ingredients: 1 3/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture. Spread in pan (13 x 9 x 2 inches). Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate chips. Bake in oven preheated to 350 degrees for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.