2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 c. buttermilk or sour milk
2 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. dates, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice or cloves
1 c. walnuts, chopped

Cream sugar and shortening. Sift dry ingredients except baking soda. Dissolve soda in milk. Add to creamed mixture. Stir in dry ingredients. Pour into greased and floured muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees F., 35-40 minutes. Makes 24-30 large muffins.