Bran Muffins

*These are from Mom's friend Dottie Satterthwaite. She brought a batch over when McKenzie got married.

5 c. flour (part whole wheat, part white)

1 tsp. salt

4 c. All Bran

2 c. bran flakes

2 c. chopped dates and/or raisins

1 c. chopped nuts

2 c. boiling water

5 tsp. baking soda

2 c. (scant) sugar

1 c. shortening (margarine or butter)

4 eggs

1 qt. buttermilk

Mix water and soda and set aside.

Cream shortening and sugar in a large bowl.

Add eggs one at a time and mix well.

Stir in buttermilk and soda water.

Stir in flour, bran, salt, dates and nuts.

Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

(Do not stir again.)

Bake in muffin tins 1/2 full.

375 degrees, 20 minutes

Makes 5 dozen or more