Travelling Gals' Chocolate Cake

1 1/2 cups dates; diced
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water; hot
3 teaspoons water; hot
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup chocolate chips; 6 ounces
1/2 cup nuts; chopped


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place dates in small bowl. Sprinkle with baking soda; add hot water. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to plump dates. In a large mixing bowl cream sugar and butter or margarine together. Add eggs. Beat well again. Sift flour, salt and cocoa together. Add dry ingredients to sugar-butter mixture in small amounts, alternating with date mixture. Add vanilla and mix well. Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and chopped nuts over top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.