Refrigerator Bran Muffins

1 cup hot water

3 cups 100% bran cereal

1 cup chopped dates or raisins, optional

¹/₂ to 1 cup applesauce

2 eggs

¹/₂ cup sugar or honey

2 cups buttermilk or nonfat yogurt

2 ¹/₂ cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons soda

³/₄-1 tsp salt

Pour hot water over cereal and dates in large bowl.  Let stand while preparing other ingredients.  In blender, combine oil, eggs, honey, and buttermilk.  Pulse to mix well.  Pour into the bran mixture, and mix together.  Combine flour, soda, and salt.  Add to bran mixture, mixing just long enough to blend ingredients.  Do not stir batter again.  Drop by table spoonfuls into non stick muffin pans, filling 2/3 full.  Bake at 400° for 15 to 18 minutes.  Makes 3 dozen muffins.

Contributed by Sharlene C.