1 c. dates, cut up
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 tsp. baking soda

Cook dates until soft. Add soda and cool.

Cream: 1 c. sugar

Add to cooled date mixture:

Sift: 1/4 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp. baking soda

Add these dry ingredients to above mixture, mix well and pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle top of batter with: 1 c. walnuts, chopped 1/2 c. sugar

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until cakes shrinks from sides of pan and toothpick test clean.

QUICK METHOD--DATE NUT CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 1/2 c. cut up dates
1 1/4 c. boiling water

Pour boiling water over dates, let cool. Prepare cake mix as directed on box, using the eggs called for, but substituting the date mixture for the liquid. Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle top with: 1/2 c. sugar 1 c. nuts, chopped

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.