1/2 cup hot water
1/4 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 cups wheat bran
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped dates

Pour water over 1/4-cup dates and set aside. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper baking cups. Mix wheat bran, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Place date-water mixture, oil, and egg in blender or food processor. Cover and blend until smooth. Stir date mixture into flour mixture and buttermilk into dry ingredients until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Gently stir in 1/2 cups dates. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake 20-22 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool muffins in pan for 5 minutes and then remove to wire rack.

Makes 12 Servings
Serving Size: 1 muffin