Orange Cupcakes 

1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
2/3 cup buttermilk
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped pecans
Orange syrup 

Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Dissolve soda in buttermilk, stirring well. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour and salt, add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture.  Combine dates and pecans, dredging with remaining 1/2 cup flour and fold into batter. Spoon batter into greased muffin tins, filling 2/3 full. Bake at 375 f. For 12©14 minutes or until cupcakes test done. Spoon orange syrup over cupcakes. 

Orange Syrup 

1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. orange rind
1/2 cup orange juice

Combine all ingredients in heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.