How to Make Bran Muffins

Bran muffins are a delicious addition to any breakfast.

"Eat more fiber." You've heard it before and you'll hear it again because fiber is an essential nutrient that Americans just don't get enough of on a daily basis. Fiber is best known for it's ability to prevent and relieve constipation, as well as lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease, but did you know that when paired with a healthy diet and 2 liters of water each day, fiber can be the key to weight loss? Try these delicious homemade bran muffins and see how you can blissfully reach your fiber quota without any tasteless supplements and thick fiber drinks.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 cups Nabisco 100 percent bran (or Fiber One)
• 1 cup Crisco or other shortening
• 3 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 quart buttermilk
• 5 cups flour
• 5 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 cups Kellogg's All Bran
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

1. Bowl water in a tea kettle or pot on the stove, or heat it in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl.

2. While the water is heating, measure the 100 percent Bran (Nabisco, Fiber One or brand of your choice) into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Pour boiling water over the bran and set aside to soak.

3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt and set aside.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening and sugar. Beat by hand until creamy add then add the eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition.

5. Now add the buttermilk and 100 percent bran. Slowly combine the flour mixture, stirring constantly to avoid small lumps. Finally, add the All Bran.

6. Pour batter into an airtight container and refrigerate overnight or at least two hours. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 18 minutes or until tops are puffed, gently browned and set. This recipe makes 6 dozen.

Tips & Warnings

• The longer you allow the batter to set the better the first batch will be.

• If you use Fiber One, crush the pieces before adding to the batter.