1/2 c. shortening
1 1/4 c. brown sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. dates, chopped
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Cream shortening and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and mix with dates to prevent dates sticking together. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to creamed mixture. Add nuts. Fill cup cake paper 2/3 full and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Can be frosted, but good without.