2 c. boiling water
5 tsp. baking soda
1 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
4 eggs, beaten
5 c. flour
1 tbsp. salt
1 qt. buttermilk
2 c. Posts 40% Bran Flakes
1/2 box Kellogg's All Bran
2 c. nuts, chopped
Dates (optional)

Mix boiling water and soda and let cool. Mix shortening, sugar, and eggs. Set aside. Mix all dry ingredients with buttermilk; add soda and water mixture and sugar and add mixture. Bake in greased muffin tins at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Makes a lot of batter, but can be stored for 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator.