3/4 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1-1/2 tsp. cinnamon, divided
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups all- purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk

In a small bowl, combine dates, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts, if using. Set aside. Combine flour, remaining cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat together sugar and butter until fluffy with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in eggs until light and creamy. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Spread half of batter in a greased 9"x9" baking pan; sprinkle with half of date mixture. Spread remaining batter over top; sprinkle with remaining date mixture. Bake at 350F for 40-50 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut into squares; serve warm or cooled.

Yield: 9-12 servings