Date Nut Muffins

Luby's, a cafeteria chain here in Texas, serves these yummy muffins. The recipe was originally printed in the food section of the Houston Chronicle.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 12-14 muffins

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups  chopped dates
• 3  cups hot water
• 3⁄4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks) or 3⁄4 cup margarine (1 1/2 sticks)
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1  cup pecan pieces
• 2  extra large eggs
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine dates and hot water. Let stand 10 minutes. Drain and discard water.Cover and refrigerate until cold.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper liners or lightly grease.
4. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until creamy.
5. Add water,pecans,eggs,baking soda, vanilla, and salt and mix until well blended.
6. Add flour and mix until just moistened.
7. Fold in cold dates and spoon into prepared muffin pans.
8. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let stand a few minutes before removing from pan.