Servings: 60 (ish)

2 c boiling water 2 c boiling water
5 tsp baking soda 5 tsp baking soda
1 c shortening 1 c shortening
2 c sugar 2 c sugar
4 eggs 4 eggs
1 qt buttermilk 1 qt buttermilk
5 c flour 5 c flour
1 Tbs salt 1 Tbs salt
4 c all bran 4 c all bran
2 c 40% all bran flakes 2 c 40% all bran flakes
1 c chopped nuts 1 c chopped nuts
2 c chopped dates (optional) 2 c chopped dates (optional)

Add baking soda to water and let cool. Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in buttermilk, add flour and salt. Add water and baking soda to mixture.
Mix bran, bran flakes, dates, and nuts in a large bowl. Add buttermilk mixture to this.
Spoon into greased muffin tins while stirring. Bake at 375° for 20 min.

Store in refrigerator in covered container, up to 6 weeks.  Store in refrigerator in covered container, up to 6 weeks.