2 lg. Golden Delicious apples
1/2 c. butter
1 c. boiling water
3 c. bran cereal
2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2/3 c. sugar
1 c. finely chopped dates
2 1/2 c. flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt

Saute apples (pared, cored and chopped) in butter 10 minutes or until tender. Pour boiling water over cereal; add apples, buttermilk, eggs, sugar and dates. Combine flour, soda and spices and salt - then stir into bran mixture just until combined. REFRIGERATE in tightly covered container at least 24 hours. (For optimum quality, use within 3 weeks.)

Fill greased muffin pans 3/4 full and bake at 400 degrees 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Makes approximately 24 large muffins.