Bran Muffins

3 cups sugar
1 cup + 2 Tbsp. shortening
4 eggs
1 quart buttermilk
4 cups Kelloggs All Bran
5 cups flour
5 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups Nabisco 100% Bran
2 cups boiling water
1 – 2 cups raisins (optional)

Pour hot water over Nabisco Bran. Set aside. Cream shortening, eggs, and sugar.
Add buttermilk and Kelloggs All Bran. Add flour, soda and salt. Fold in Nabisco Bran and raisins.
(I’m not sure if they make Nabisco Bran Buds anymore, so last time I substituted Kellogs Bran Buds and adjusted the water a little bit.)