Chocolate Coconut Date Cake

A triple-treat cake! Three great flavors combine to make a terrific dessert.

    1 cup chopped, pitted dates
    1 cup hot water
    1 3/4 cups flour
    3 tablespoons cocoa
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1 cup butter or margarine, softened
    1 cup sugar
    2 teaspoons vanilla
    2 eggs
    6 oz. semi-sweey chocolate pieces
    1/2 cup flaked coconut

Oven: 350 degrees

Cover dates with water in a small bowl. Set aside. Sift together flour, cocoa and baking soda; set aside.

Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well-blended. Stir in flour mixture alternately with dates and water until well-blended. Stir in a 1/2 cup of chocolate pieces. Pour into a greased and floured 13x9x2 baking pan.

Sprinkle with remaining chocolate pieces and coconut. Bake about 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on rack. Serves 12.

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