Chocolate Chip Date Nut Cake

1c. Chopped dates
1-1/2 c. Boiling water
1 t. Soda
1/2 c. Margarine
1 c. Sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 c. Plus 3tbl flour
1/2 t. salt
3/4 t. Soda
1/2 package chocolate chips
1/2 C. Brown sugar
1/2 C. Walnuts, chopped

Pour water over dates and add 1t soda; set aside. Cream together the margarine, sugar and eggs. Add date mixture. Sift flour, salt and soda together . Add the other mixture and stir well. Pour into a 10x8 pan. Top with chocolate chips, brown sugar and walnuts

Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve with cool whip on top.