Six Week Bran Muffins

These muffins are called "six week" because the batter will safely keep in the fridge (in a sealed container) for a long time. It makes a big batch, but it won't take you six weeks to use it up, enjoying hot fresh muffins in the morning!

1 1/2 cups chopped dates, raisins, craisins, or golden raisins
5 tsp Baking Soda
2 cups boiling water
1 cup butter
4 eggs
5 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 quart buttermilk
2 cups 40% bran flakes
2 cups All Bran cereal
1 tsp salt
1 cup walnuts (optional)

In a bowl mix dates or raisins with baking soda. Over this pour 2 cups boiling water and let cool. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Stir in buttermilk alternately with flour and salt add bran flakes and All Bran and stir until moistened. Then, add the baking soda mixture. Stir just until moistened--do not overmix! Put in well greased muffin tins. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Store leftovers in a tight container in refrigerator for up to six weeks.

Oatmeal Applesauce Struesel Muffins

I am craving muffins today, so I'm trying these out. I found the recipe at Cooks.com. I'm going to use whole wheat flour & regular rolled oats instead of quick. I'll let you know how they turn out!

1 1/2 c. quick oatmeal
1 1/4 c. flour
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. unsweetened applesauce
1/2 c. skim milk
1/2 c. brown sugar
3 tbsp. veg. oil
1 egg white

Mix together in order given. Top with the following:

1/4 c. oatmeal
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. melted butter

Bake in a preheated 375F oven for about 15 minutes, or until done (depends upon the size of the muffins).

Tips and Tricks:
These just came out of the oven and they are good but could stand a few small improvements--next time I will add a dash of salt to the recipe and use a whole egg, not just the white. I think this will improve the flavor. I didn't get a chance to try the whole wheat as planned because I'm out of flour in my freezer. Serve them with butter & honey for the best taste.