1 c. chopped dates
2 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 c. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. shortening
2 tsp. grated orange rind
1 egg
1 c. buttermilk

TOPPING:

2 tbsp. water
1 tsp. grated orange rind

Sift flour with sugar, baking powder, salt and soda. Cut in shortening. Add orange rind and dates. Beat the egg lightly and combine with buttermilk. Blend into first mixture, mixing only until all of flour is moistened. Spoon into greased muffin pans and sprinkle with blended topping ingredients. Bake at 425 degrees about 20 minutes. Makes 12.