6 week Bran-Date muffins

We love these with a little butter, honey, or plain. I also add in veg or fruit puree if I have some!

2c boiling water
5t. baking soda
1c shortening (may sub for something healthier)
2c sugar
4 eggs
1 qt buttermilk
5c flour (I use 1/2 wheat 1/2 white)
1T. salt
4c All-Bran
2c Bran flakes
2c chopped dates
1c nuts

Add soda to boiling water, mix, let cool. Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, mixing in one at a time. Stir in buttermilk then flour and salt. Add water and soda to mixture. Mix in cereal, etc. Store in covered container in fridge for up to 6 weeks. When ready, spoon into muffin tin without stirring. Bake at 375 for 20 min.