Christmas Date Cake
Submitted by;
Christy ~ Tremonton, OR

2 c. chopped pitted dates
3 c. boiling water
2 t. baking soda

Pour the boiling water over the dates, add the soda and set aside to
cool.  While cooling, cream the following ingredients together in a
large bowl.

1 c. (2 sticks) soft or melted butter
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1/2 t. salt
3 c. flour

Once the above are thoroughly mixed, add the cooled date mixture to your
bowl and stir thoroughly.

Grease and flour a 9 x 13 cake pan.  Pour the batter into the pan.  Then
sprinkle the following on the top in this order, BEFORE baking:

12 oz. chocolate chips (2 cups)
1 c. sugar
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Bake at 325 degrees for 80 minutes.