These layered bran muffins include a luxurious touch - real maple sugar in the cinnamon-walnut filling. If it is not available, you can substitute brown sugar.

1 c. whole-bran cereal
3/4 c. milk
1 egg
1/4 c. soft shortening
1 c. flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar

MAPLE-NUT FILLING:

1/2 c. packed maple sugar or brown sugar
1/2 c. finely chopped walnuts
2 tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl combine cereal and milk; let stand until most of the liquid is absorbed. Beat in egg and shortening.

2. In a large bowl mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add cereal mixture, mixing only until combined.

3. Spoon a small amount of batter into 12 compartments in greased or nonstick 2 1/2 inch muffin pans; sprinkle with some of the filling. Repeat layers until pans are about 3/4 full.

4. Bake until muffins are well browned (20 to 25 minutes). Serve warm. Makes 1 dozen muffins.

MAPLE-NUT FILLING - mix maple sugar, walnuts, flour, and cinnamon.