Cut up 1 cup of dates. Put in blender with 1 cup boiling water and baking soda, blend. Cream 1 cup sugar and butter. Add date mixture and flur, eggs, cocoa, vanilla, salt and 3/4 cup chocolate chips. Mix together all ingredients. Pour int 9x13" baking pan. Sprinkle top with remaining sugar and chocolate chips. Top with chopped nuts, if desired. Bake at 350 F. for 40 minutes. Serves about 15. The Workbasket, 1977, Reader Recipes, submitted by Karen Venables MC formatting by bobbi744@acd.net ICQ#2099532