NUTTY WHITE CHIP CAKE 2/3 cup hot water 1/2 cup cut-up dates 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Nutty White Chip Topping (recipe follows) 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white baking chips 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cu[ packed brown sugar 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg Heat oven to 350°F. Pour hot water over dates in medium bowl; stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Let stand 5 minutes. Make Nutty White Chip Topping; set aside.

Stir remaining ingredients into date mixture. Pour into ungreased square pan, 8 x 8 x 2 inches. Sprinkle with topping. Bake about 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Makes 9 servings.

NUTTY WHITE CHIP TOPPING

1/2 cup white baking chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

Mix all ingredients.

1 Serving: Calories: 425 (Cal. from fat: 205), Fat: 23g (Saturated: 8g), Cholesterol: 35mg, Sodium: 250mg, Carbohydrate: 51g, Protein: 5g.

[Gold Medal, Desserts for Spring]