Mom's "Love" Cake (aka Date and Nut Cake)

Although we don't believe in Valentine's Day, here in Israel, there is much hype (mostly by retailers) about Chag Ha'Ahava (חג האהבה). When my mother, ob"m, used to make this cake, it became refered to as her "Love" cake. It has such an amazing, complex flavor. When my mom made it, she put her whole heart and soul into it. Without further ado...


Date and Nut Cake

Step 1:
1 pkg (8 oz.) dates, pitted – in Isael, ½ block of dates

1-1/4 c boiling water

Add to dates and let cool

Step 2:
Add the following together:
½ c shortening/margarine (I use oil - see my note about margarine)

1 c sugar (I use 3/4 c sugar, as the dates are also sweet)

2 eggs

1 T cocoa powder (I always add more - can never get enough)

Dash salt
1 t baking soda

1 t vanilla

Step 3:
Add 1-1/4 c + 2T flour

Add flour a little at a time, then liquid from dates

Stir in dates

Can add mini chips to the batter

Pour into greased 9x13 pan

Sprinkle topping: ½ c walnuts, ¼ c sugar, 6 oz choc chips

Bake at 350 F (180 C) for 40 minutes or longer