The dates and almonds can be added at the beep, but I usually add them at the very beginning for better distribution. We like this spread with cream cheese, but its also good just as it is! I always keep the machine open at the very beginning kneading and add flour by the tablespoon as is neaded until its no longer sticky. Living in a high humidity climate sometimes I need to add quite a lot when I dont cut down the liquid. Guess I should be keeping an eye on the humidity before I begin baking! Thanks for your recipe. We used to live near Lancaster. Rhonda Posted to MM-Recipes Digest V4 #294 by serge.cyr@sympatico.ca (Serge Cyr) on Nov 12, 1997