Bran Muffins with Dates

Thanks for the recipe, Melissa!

2 cups chopped dates
2 cups boiling water
5 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 quart buttermilk
4 cups bran buds
2 cups 40% bran flakes

Cover chopped dates with boiling water. Add soda and cool.

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs to creamed mixture. Add the rest of ingredients and mix together.

Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes.

The batter can be refrigerated for up to 6 weeks.