Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     2/3  cup           Hot water
     1/2  cup           Chopped dates
     1/2  teaspoon      Baking soda
     1/3  cup           Vegetable oil
   1      cup           All-purpose flour*
     1/2  cup           Miniature semisweet -- Chocolate chips
     1/4  cup           Granulated sugar
     1/4  cup           Packed brown sugar
     1/2  teaspoon      Baking soda
     1/2  teaspoon      Vanilla
     1/4  teaspoon      Salt
   1                    Egg
                        Chocolate chip-nut topping
     1/2  cup           Miniature semisweet -- Chocolate chips
     1/2  cup           Chopped nuts
   2      tablespoons   Packed brown sugar

Preparation:

*if using self-rising flour Omit baking soda and salt. A family favorite! With its sprinkle-on topping, it needs no frosting. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Pour hot water over dates in medium bowl. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Let stand 5 minutes.Stir remaining ingredients except Chocolate Chip-Nut Topping into date mixture. Pour into ungreased square pan, 8 X 8 X 2 inches. Sprinkle with Chocolate Chip-Nut Topping. Bake about 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. CHOCOLATE CHIP-NUT TOPPINGMix all ingredients. To Microwave: Pour batter into ungreased round microwavable dish, 8 X 1-1/2 inches; sprinkle with Chocolate Chip-Nut Topping. Elevate dish on inverted microwavable dinner plate in microwave oven. Microwave uncovered on medium (50%) 6 minutes, rotating dish 1/2 turn every 3 minutes. Microwave uncovered on high 3 minutes 30 seconds to 4 minutes 30 seconds longer, rotating dish 1/2 turn after 2 minutes, until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean (Top may appear wet but will continue cooking as cake stands.) Let stand uncovered on flat, heatproof surface (not wire rack) 10 minutes. Cool.