Cover 1 cup chopped dates with 1 cup boiling water.  Let stand for a few minutes.  Cream:

• 1 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Add the dates and water.  Sift together:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa
• 1 teaspoon soda

Add to the batter.  Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.  Spread in 9″ x 12″ greased pan.  Sprinkle with 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup nuts.  Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

(Elda Vogt)