Spice Cupcakes With Dates

• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup finely chopped dates
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
• or frosting of your choice

1. In a small bowl, combine the oats and dates. Pour water over and let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in another small bowl, beat shortening and sugars until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Add oat mixture and vanilla; beat on low speed until blended. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg; stir into sugar mixture until blended. Stir in nuts.
3. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375u0b0 for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cupcakes.

oats, dates, water, shortening, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, nuts, choice

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spice-cupcakes-with-dates/ (may not work)