Hot water to cover, then -drain Recipe by: St. Louis Post-Dispatch 10/14/96 Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat 1 1/2-quart loaf pan with cooking spray; lightly dust with flour. Shake out excess flour. Combine 1 1/4 cups flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add dates and oats; toss to coat. Whisk together buttermilk, oil, egg, maple syrup and pumpkin puree in separate bowl. Stir in drained raisins. Combine wet and dry ingredients, folding until just incorporated. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees and bake until wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 15 minutes ----