Sift together flour, baking powder and nutmeg; set aside. Cream butter with maple syrup; add eggs, vanilla, and milk. Stir in flour mixture. Fold in dates and nuts. Pour mixture into lightly buttered 9" x 5" loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/4 hours or until top splits or toothpick comes out clean. Makes 1 loaf