CHOCOLATE CHIP DATE LOAF

2 cups flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons baking soda, divided use
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan; set aside.

In large bowl combine the flour, cocoa, chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon of the baking soda, and salt.

In a small bowl combine the dates, boiling water, and remaining 1 teaspoon baking soda; set aside.

In mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and continue beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the date mixture. Add the flour mixture to egg-date mixture, stirring just to combine, do not overmix. Spoon into prepared pan.

Bake for 1 hour or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely before wrapping to store.

Source: Internet