Date Nut Muffins (non-dairy)

Ingredients:

1 C finely chopped dates
1 C boiling water
1 T shortening
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 t vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 C all purpose flour
1 C sugar (you could use less, as the dates help to sweeten)
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 C chopped pecans


DIRECTIONS

Combine first 3 ingredients, let stand 1 hour. Stir in egg and vanilla.
Combine flour and next 4 ingredients in a bowl; make a well in center of mixture.
Add date mixture, stirring just until moistened.
Spoon into greased muffin pans, filling 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes. Yield: 1 dozen.

I found these muffins to be very good, but a little "dense" in texture.