CHOCOLATE CHIP DATE CAKE

1 1/2 c. diced dates
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. plus 3 tbsp. hot water
1 c. sugar
1 c. butter or margarine
2 beaten eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. flour
1 tbsp. cocoa
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts
Place dates in small bowl. Add soda and hot water. Let stand 10 minutes. Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs and beat well. Sift flour, salt and cocoa together. Add dry ingredients to sugar and butter to 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 inch pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and nuts over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.