Chocolate Chip Date Nut Squares.

Got this from my mother-in-law. If she had told me ahead of time there were dates in this I may never have tried it. mmmmm good secret: must be prepared day ahead.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 24 squares

Ingredients

• 1  cup  chopped dates
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3⁄4 cup margarine, softened
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3⁄4 cups flour
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 3⁄4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 6  ounces chocolate chips

Directions

1. In medium bowl mix 1 1/2 c boiling water and 1 1/2 tsp baking soda with the dates.
2. Set aside to cool.
3. Beat together margarine,1 c sugar and eggs in large bowl.
4. To this add vanilla extract and date mixture.
5. Add flour, 3/4 tsp baking soda and salt.
6. Pour into greased and floured 13x9 pan.
7. Sprinkle 1/4 c sugar, nuts and chocolate morsels on top.
8. Bake @ 325 degrees 45 minutes.
9. The difficult part: set aside until the next day to eat.