2 c chopped dates (can mix with flour and chop in food processor)
3/4 c boiling water
1 c melted butter (2 sticks)
2 c sugar
2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
4 beaten eggs
2 c chocolate chips
5 1/2 c flour (pack down)
1/2 c sugar for later
Pour boiling water over chopped dates, stir with fork and set them aside to cool.
Melt butter for 90 seconds. Let cool.
In bowl combine sugar, baking soda, salt and eggs. Beat well.
Add cool dates and mix thoroughly.
Add chocolate chips and mix. Then add melted, cool butter and mix thoroughly.
Add flour in half-cup increments, beating after each addition. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to chill. (Overnight is fine too.)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Roll dough into walnut-sized balls with your hands. Return dough to refrigerator if too sticky.
Roll dough balls in the bowl of sugar and place them on greased cookie sheet. Flatten them slightly with your hand.
Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on cookie sheet for a minute or two and then place on wire rack. to finish cooling.