3/4 c. butter
2 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
3 (1 oz.) sq. unsweetened chocolate, melted
3 c. cake flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. ice water

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, beating until light and fluffy. Blend in melted chocolate.

Sift all dry ingredients together. Add to chocolate mixture, alternating dry ingredients and water.

Pour into three 8 inch pans which have been greased and lined with wax paper. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

DATE CREAM FILLING:

1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. milk
1 1/2 c. chopped dates
1 tbsp. flour
1/4 c. sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. nuts, chopped

Cook milk and dates in a double boiler. Add remainder of ingredients. Cook until thickened. Spread between layers of cake when cool.

FUDGE FROSTING:

2 c. sugar
1 c. light cream
2 (1 oz.) sq. unsweetened chocolate, grated