These country bran muffins are a tasty way to get your daily fiber.

Country Bran Muffins

1 cup bran flakes
1 cup boiling water
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups bran
2 cups buttermilk

1. Combine bran flakes and boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. Cream together shortening and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the bran flake mixture and bran into the creamed mixture. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to creamed mixture, mixing just enough to moisten. Spoon batter into a well-greased muffin tin, filling two-thirds full.
4. Bake in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Let completely cool on wire rack.

Makes 2 dozen muffins.