Best Bran Muffins

• all-bran cereal1 1⁄2 cups

  (this will NOT work using Bran Buds cereal)

• buttermilk↗1 cup

  (low-fat is okay)

• vegetable oil↗1⁄3 cup

  (or melted butter)

• large egg↗1

  beaten

• brown sugar↗3⁄4 cup

  packed (reduce sugar for a a less sweeter muffin)

• maple extract or 2 teaspoons use vanilla extract↗2 teaspoons
• all-purpose white flour↗1⁄2 cup
• whole wheat flour↗1⁄2 cup

  (even better use 1 cup whole wheat flour)

• baking powder↗1 1⁄4 teaspoons
• baking soda↗1 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• cinnamon↗1⁄2 teaspoon

  (can use 1 teaspoon)

• ground nutmeg↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• raisins↗1 cup

  (or can use chopped dates)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   Line 12 regular-size muffin tins with paper liners (or 7 jumbo muffin tins).

3. 3

   In a medium bowl mix together the All-Bran cereal with buttermilk; let sit for about 10-12 minutes stirring once.

4. 4

   In another bowl whisk together the oil, egg, brown sugar and vanilla until well blended, then add to the buttermilk mixture; mix to combine with a wooden spoon.

5. 5

   In another bowl mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and nutmeg; add to the wet mixture and mix JUST until blended using a wooden spoon or a small spatula (a few small lumps in the mixture are okay!).

6. 6

   Fold in raisins or dates.

7. 7

   Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin tins.

8. 8

   Bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins test done (if using jumbo muffin tins increase baking time).