Chocolate Date Cake II

1 ¼ cups boiling water

1 (8 ounce) package chopped dates

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

¾ cup butter

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup white sugar

½ cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. In a mixing bowl or small saucepan, pour the boiling water over the chopped dates. Set aside. Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the flour mixture. Add in the dates with the soaking liquid, and stir until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.

In an another bowl, combine the chocolate chips, walnuts, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Sprinkle mixture over top of cake. and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.