Big Batch Bran Muffins

Don't gasp at the quantity this recipe yields! The virtue of these delicious muffins
is that you make the batter once, then dip into it to make batch after batch--or
just a few at a time. The batter will keep, covered, in the refrigerator
up to 1 month, or baked muffins can be frozen.

Makes 60 servings

Ingredients

15 ounces all-bran cereal
2 cups raisins
6 pitted dried dates, finely chopped
2 cups boiling water
4 1/2 cups + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups low-fat (1.5%) buttermilk
4 eggs
1/2 cup orange marmalade spreadable fruit
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In large bowl, combine cereal, raisins and dates; pour in boiling water and stir
until softened. Set aside. In another large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda
and salt; make well in center and set aside. In food processor or blender,
combine 1 cup of the buttermilk, the eggs and spreadable fruit; puree until
smooth. Pour the buttermilk mixture into separate large bowl and add the remaining
cup buttermilk, the applesauce, sugar, oil and vanilla; beat until smooth. Pour
into well in flour mixture and stir just until blended. Add reserved cereal
mixture and stir just to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at
least 24 hours before using. When ready to use, preheat oven to 375o F.
Spray twenty-four 2 3/4" muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon
batter evenly into prepared cups, filling each about two-thirds full; bake until
golden brown and puffy, 20-25 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes, then remove to
wire rack and let cool to room temperature. Repeat with remaining batter to
make 60 muffins, or cover and refrigerate remaining batter for up to 1 month.

SERVING SIZE:  1 Muffin

POINTS:  2.5

SELECTIONS: 1/2 Fat, 1/2 Fruit, 3/4 Bread, 20 Optional Calories

PER SERVING: 123 Calories, 3 g Total Fat, 0 g Saturated Fat,
14 mg Cholesterol, 185 mg Sodium, 23 g Total Carbohydrate,
3 g Dietary Fiber, 3 g Protein, 21 mg Calcium