CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE

Mix dates and soda. Boil water and pour over the dates. Cream sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs to the sugar and butter, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla. Blend flour and cocoa and add to the sugar mixture. Beat well. Fold in dates and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pour into well-greased and floured 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking pan. Sprinkle pecans over the top and press into batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool pan and cover when cool.