Bran Muffins

Whole bran, buttermilk, molasses and brown sugar combined with flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mixture of egg and melted shortening is added to dry ingredients to produce batter. Batter is spooned evenly between muffin cups and baked until tops are round and golden brown.

Ingredients -

2-1/4 cups Whole Bran
1 cup Buttermilk
1/3 cup Molasses
1/4 cup firmly packed Brown Sugar
1 cup sifted All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Salt
1 Egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup Vegetable Shortening, melted

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Mix bran, buttermilk, molasses and brown sugar in a small bowl. Let stand until liquid is absorbed.

3. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

4. Stir egg and melted shortening into bran mixture.

5. Add this mixture to flour mixture and stir lightly with a fork just until evenly moist.

6. Spoon the batter into greased muffin tin cups filling each cup 2/3 full.

7. Bake for 20 minutes or until richly golden brown in color. Serve hot.

Variations and Recipe Ideas:

Muffin Making Tips -

Muffin Tins

Nonstick and well-seasoned cast iron muffin tins are ideal for making muffins. Baked on muffin batter comes off easily with a sponge and water.

Muffin Making Tips -

Savory Muffin Toppings

To add flavor, texture, extra nutrition, and a nice presentation touch sprinkle savory muffins with sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, granola, sesame seeds, or rolled oats. Grated fresh cheese can also be a nice addition to the top of an ordinary muffin.