Date Bran Muffins

Filling
1 cup (250 mL) chopped dates
1 cup (250 mL) hot water
¼ cup (50 mL) packed brown sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) lemon juice
Muffin
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) natural bran
3/4 cup (175 mL) Five Roses^® All Purpose Bleached White Flour
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
1 egg
¼ cup (50 mL) packed brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) Vegetable or Canola oil
1 cup (250 mL) buttermilk or sour milk

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. Filling: Place dates, hot water, brown sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Stirring occasionally, simmer until thickened. Set aside to cool.
3. Muffin: Combine bran, flour, baking soda and salt in large mixing bowl.
4. Beat egg, brown sugar, oil and buttermilk together thoroughly in a separate large mixing bowl.
5. Add egg mixture all at once to bran mixture. Stir just until moistened.
6. Stir in date filling.
7. Fill prepared muffin cups 3/4 full.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean.