In large bowl cream 1/2 cup (heaping) shortening with 1 1/4 cups sugar. Add 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add 1/2 quart buttermilk and stir. Sift together 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add to sugar mixture.

Mix in 2 cups all bran. Lastly, add water and bran bud mixture to this. Store in 1/2 gallon container in refrigerator as this makes a large batch. When ready to bake, don't stir again. Just spoon into muffin pan. Bake 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees.

You may add apple slices and/or raisins.