1 1/3 cups milk
3 beaten eggs
2 1/2 cups raisin bran cereal
1/2 cup applesauce
1 large banana, cut into chunks (optional)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I do part whole wheat)
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar (I do Xylitol or Splenda for baking)
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped nuts

Combine first seven ingredients and set aside.

Combine remaining ingredients and stir well to coat all fruits with flour.

Stir into bran cereal mixture until barely mixed.

Spray extra large muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray (Pam).

Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into each cup.

Bake at 400 F for 15 to 20 minutes. Test with toothpick for doneness.

Variation: Instead of raisins and dates try chopped prunes, chopped dried apricots, dried cherries, dried cranberries or chopped dried figs.

Submitted by: Silvia Brooks