1. Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease or line with paper baking cups fourteen 2-3/4-inch muffin cups.

2. In a large bowl, blend together the oatmeal, flour, baking powder, pecans, and dates. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, syrup, water, maple flavoring, and oil until smooth. Combine the two mixtures, blending until the dry ingredients are just moistened.

3. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 to 7 minutes. Serve warm, or invert onto the rack to cool completely.