Enjoy these nutty, maple flavored muffins for breakfast or for an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Maple Walnut Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup chopped dates

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper baking cups.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar, beating until fluffy.
5. Add the maple syrup and eggs, beating until well mixed.
6. Add the sifted dry ingredients, alternately with the milk, until all is blended.
7. Gently fold in the walnuts and dates.
8. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, filling each cup.
9. Bake 20 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Remove the muffins from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 1 dozen muffins.