3/4 c. boiling water
1/2 c. pitted dates, coarsely chopped
1/4 c. corn oil butter
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. uncooked Cream of Rice hot cereal
3/4 c. all purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

In medium bowl, blend water, dates, butter, lemon peel and vanilla. Let stand 3 to 4 minutes until butter melts.

In small bowl, combine cereal, flour, sugar and baking powder. Stir into date mixture just until blended; mix in pecans or walnuts. Spoon batter into 12 greased 2 1/2 inch muffin pan cups. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until done. Serve warm. Makes 1 dozen.