Not much happening here in ThimbleannaLand this week. This seems to be a bit of a recoup and plan week. There’s so much holiday inspiration popping up all over in blogs and magazines and I’ve just been taking a little extra time to read and decide how to go about organizing any projects I might want to do this year. I feel so unorganized!
Anyway, there’s definitely been NO time for sewing or knitting of any kind. I spent ALL weekend cleaning up the leaves in the yard. It was beautiful out there, so I almost didn’t mind all the work. My ribs are a little sore though from all that raking! So, you know how it goes around here — when I don’t have much going on, you get a recipe. This is my old stand-by, very favorite recipe for bran muffins. Someone gave me this recipe years ago, when I was a newlywed and I’ve just about worn it out. The fabulous thing about this recipe is that the batter keeps in the refrigerator, tightly covered for up to six weeks. I love to make up a big batch and then just bake one muffin while I’m getting ready for work in the morning. Then I can grab it and go. Yum, Yum!
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 included this picture with the spatula, because we haven’t been able to find Nabisco Bran Buds in the grocery store, so I’m not sure if they make it anymore. Last time I made this recipe, I substituted Kellogs Bran Buds, and it seemed to work just fine, although, I adjusted the water a bit. I wanted you to be able to sort of see how thick the batter should be when you’re done mixing it. And, I apologize to those of you not in the US, you probably won’t be able to find these cereals at all!) Bake at 400 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes. (Or, when I’m just making one, I turn the oven on, put the muffin in the cold oven, and bake for about 22 minutes.) Voilà!
Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day. For all those of you who serve, thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. Jean has a wonderful post tonight that you might want to check out. And I’m sure you probably know that if you’re a veteran, Applebee’s will give you a free meal tomorrow — what a nice tribute.
Happy Veteran’s Day!
XOXO,
Anna
Thanks for the link Anna. The more the word gets out the better!
Peace,
Jean
Those muffins look yummy. I’m going to have to try them soon! And I love that last definition of courage…yes, thank you Veterans!
You are such a good little cook. I can just taste those muffins.
I feel unorganized too. I usually feel pretty on top of things but not this year. I’m at a loss for ideas for Christmas too. Time seems to pass so quickly…I must get rolling. (My house is out of control dirty…the boys were home while I was out quilting. You know how that goes. Messy house equates mental unrest for me. I’m not sure when I will catch up either. Blah!) At least the hubby has been raking the leaves…the unending job around here.
The MUffins look delicious, I make a batch and freeze them, now I feel like one. We’ve just had rememberance day yesterday. Happy veterans day.
THIS is one of my most favorite recipes!!! I haven’t made them in a very long time, either. Must do now! ;o)
I love the old fashioned goodness of bran muffins and they are perfect for fall.
We live in a military town, so Veteran’s Day is a big deal here. I better go put our flag out.
You have been busy. Raking is not one of my favorite things to do. Too bad trees just can’t retain their leaves. The recipe looks fantastic. Yum! Happy Veterans day to all.
Yummy muffins! We are celebrating Remembrance Day in Canada. I find it a very emotional day.
blessings to you :)
Niki
We are celebrating Rememberance Day here too! Your muffins look delicious and healthy – just what I need in the lead up to Christmas.
The muffins look great. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Happy Veteran’s Day to all who have served for our country and fought for our freedom.
Moving song, yummy muffins, and I love that definition of courage!
I especially love the idea of being able to keep the batter in the fridge so long. My kids love muffins, and yours love delish. Maybe I can counteract all of the treats we’re still eating from Halloween.
Funny you mentioned raking, I sat this morning thinking about the crisp autumn air and raking leaves. I tried to hear the leaves crunching beneath my feet. My son had called and said he could smell autumn in the air. This is what I miss.
I haven’t seen Bran Buds in years. I bet they quite making them.
:runs out to put out the flag
:sends a text message to her favorite veteran
i’ll have to make those muffins some time. i think i may add some fruit, apples and cranberrries…
Thanks for the recipe! The bran muffins look delicious. That’s generous of Applebee’s to give our veterans a free meal. I didn’t know they were doing that.
I love reading your blog!
Please take a minute to check out my Etsy Store:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftydiane
Thank you and Have a Blessed Day,
Diane
Unorganized? You? I dont’ believe it!
Me, I can’t even begin to think about Christmas. So far behind it’s not even funny. :(
Your bran muffins look good. Wonder if just wheat/oat bran from the health food store would work?
What a great comforting post Anna, your muffins look yummy and healthy too! Hey you better check your mail, it looks like you won a nice giveaway, I’m not telling from who…..
I have found a leave hog, I now vacuum leaves up. Less raking, less sore muscles.
I can’t wait to try your muffin recipe.
Brandie@abrandiecreation.com
Great link, and great image there at the bottom of your post!! And HOLY COW woman, you’ve won again?!?!? Go buy a lottery ticket! ; )
ps. thanks for your comment about my Nana post- a life well-lived, that is the perfect way to say it.
God Bless our Veterans and our young soldiers who will be veterans some day. And God bless you for using a rake and not a leaf blower! Oh – the drone of a leave blower gets to the inner recesses of my brain! ARGH!
Your kitchen always sounds so warm and inviting, Anna.
I think I used to make that recipe…if not it was very similar and they were yummy!! I’ll have to dig it out and see and then maybe make a batch :)
Ok, so if I eat bran muffins I’ll be organized. And regular about it. Right? Right.
I wish I read this post yesterday… Mr. Zombie and I could have each gotten a meal from Applebee’s. Too late now, it’s an hour drive. Hmmm… maybe not. That is just so nice of them! Thanks for spreading the word, SW! See… you got me out of cooking again!
So wish you could have spent the weekend with SW3 and me. NEXT YEAR, k.
I am pretty sure I can get bran buds here, anyway, I really want to try out this recipe. Does it really last all that time in the fridge? Will be perfect for the holidays, when we have visitors etc. I am eager to see what you make at this time of year. Love the acorn thimbles too!
Great recipe, I think I’ll share one tomorrow as I’m baking today. You are so right about this time of year. I feel like the world is holding its breath before letting out a big sigh. It’s definitely a time for reflection and finding our balance before the holiday onslaught. I’m refusing to get stressed about it all this year. I’m just going to do the things that feel relaxing to me.
Oh, your muffins look yummy (and healthy!!!). :-)
We went by Applebee’s (wasn’t that a nice thing for them to do?!) but the line was out the door and around the corner … so no free meal for my hubby! We ended up at Black Bear Diner.
Have a nice weekend, Anna!
Oooooooo… thanks for the recipe! I love the idea of making one muffin at a time if you want!
If I bake 6 I eat 6, and so on!! Oink!!
Hugs,
Joni
That recipe sounds fab!
And I love the courage picture.
Lucy x
I love fall, even if the leaves tend to take over for a while! And the muffins look delicious.
:)
I really enjoyed to read your last posts to watch the photos and to imagine how the muffins might taste.
By the way, I like your new autumn- header.have a great weekend
janine
These muffins look like they taste really good!
Wish you a lovley week-end!
Oh yes, “unorganised” is just the adjective I’d choose for you, Mrs Make-A-Million-Beautiful-Things-A-Week. Shame on you!
I have used this recipe for over 26 years and LOVE it! Thank you for your awesome post, too.
Our country would not be FREE if it weren’t for the sacrifices of our military men and women. They are all heroes in my book!!!
xxoo
becky
I love to buy bran muffins in the bakery. I’ll have to try this. This is the perfect work day breakfast.
Ooh, terrific! I love your oatmeal cookie recipe (it’s the only one in my binder of treasured recipes), so I can only assume I will love these, too. This weekend!