Date and Poppy Seed Pancakes

In a mixing bowl, stir together buttermilk, dates, butter, and egg to blend well.

Combine remaining ingredients; stir into buttermilk, mixing lightly with a fork (do not try to smooth out all the lumps). 

Heat skillet; spoon batter onto skillet, allowing about 3 Tbsp of batter for each.  Fry until golden brown, and turn once. 

Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh fruit or syrup.

Variation: For Waffles, add 2 Tbsp of buttermilk to batter. Bake in waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.