A delicious sweet quick bread loaded with chopped dates and chocolate chips.

Chocolate Chip Date Loaf

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped dates

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup boiling water

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan; set aside.
2. In large bowl combine the flour, cocoa, salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda and chocolate chips.
3. In a small bowl combine the dates, 1 teaspoon baking soda, boiling water; set aside.
4. 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 over mix. Spoon into prepared pan.
5. 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.

Makes 1 loaf.