POLKA DOT PICNIC CAKE

1-1/2 C chopped dates 

1 C boiling water 

1 tsp soda

(Mix water dates soda set aside)

Cream 3/4 C butter

1 C sugar

2 eggs 

1/2 tsp salt   1tsp vanilla 

2 C Flour

Add date mixture--bake in 8x11 cake pan sprayed with Pam--sprinkle top with chopped walnuts and chocolate chips bake 350* 30-35 min