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                                            Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes  | 
                                            Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 1  | 
                                         
                                        
                                     
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                    Ingredients: 
                    
                        
                                                1/2 cup shortening  |  
                                                1 cup sugar  |  
                                                2 eggs  |  
                                                1 teaspoon baking soda  |  
                                                2/3 cup buttermilk  |  
                                                2 cups all-purpose flour, divided  |  
                                                1/2 teaspoon salt  |  
                                                1 cup chopped dates  |  
                                                1 cup chopped pecans  |  
                                                orange syrup  |  
                                                
                     
                    Directions: 
                    
                        
                            
                                1. Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 2. Dissolve soda in buttermilk, stirring well. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Combine dates and pecans; dredge in remaining 1/2 cup flour, and fold into batter. 3. Spoon batter into greased muffin pans, filling only two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for 12 to 14 minutes or until cupcakes test done. Spoon Orange Syrup over cupcakes.                              | 
                         
                         
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