YIELDS 12 MUFFINS

Melted chocolate in the batter and chocolate chips stirred in with nuts add fabulous flavor and texture to these rich little muffins. They could even be served as dessert!

1 cup chopped dates

¾ cup boiling water

1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips, divided ⅓ cup brown sugar

¼ cup butter

2 cups flour

½ cup oatmeal

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup chopped pecans

¾ cup buttermilk

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners and set aside. Put dates in a small bowl. Pour over boiling water. Add 1 cup chocolate chips, brown sugar, and butter and set aside. In large bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar and mix well.

2. Stir date mixture and add to flour mixture along with buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Stir just until combined. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips and pecans. Fill prepared muffin cups three-quarters full. Bake for 15 to 23 minutes or until muffins are firm. Cool in muffin tins for 3 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.