In large saucepan combine dates, water and baking soda. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
Preheat oven to 350. Grease two dozen hole muffin pans with solid vegetable shortening or spray with a nonstick spray and set aside. Cream margarine and sugar together in large bowl of mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Add flour and salt, beating until just combined. On low speed, beat in date mixture, vanilla and pecans. Fill prepared muffin pans 0.75 full with batter and bake 20-25 minutes. Makes 2 dozen muffins.