Judy's Date Muffins

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

1. 1

   Place dates in a small bowl and add boiling water, let stand 10 minutes (do not drain!).

2. 2

   Meanwhile in a small mixing bowl, beat shortening and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes then beat in egg until well mixed.

3. 3

   Add dates and beat on low speed until blended.

4. 4

   Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon and then stir into date mixture with a wooden spoon just until blended.

5. 5

   Stir in the walnuts.

6. 6

   Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full.

7. 7

   Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

8. 8

   Cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.