Banana Buttermilk Bran Muffins

Banana muffins are a classic...and seem to be everyone's favorite.  Mixing up a batch of banana muffins is also a great way to use those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.  The bran adds a bit of a nutty flavour and is a healthier option.  The raisins are easily changed up to chocolate chips or blueberries. 
 

• 1 cup hot buttermilk
• 1 cup All-bran cereal
• 1 cup pureed bananas (about  3 bananas)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup raisins (or mini chocolate chips or blueberries)

1. Prepare muffin pan by spraying with oil and line with paper or parchment liners.
2. Heat buttermilk in microwave until hot  (about  1 1/2 minutes). *
3. Stir in the All-bran cereal and set aside for a few minutes.
4. Puree bananas.
5. Combine bran mixture and pureed bananas in a large mixing bowl.
6. Stir in brown sugar.
7. Add eggs, vanilla and oil and blend well.
8. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  Add to banana mixture and stir gently to make a soft batter.
9. Fold in raisins or chocolate chips.
10. Divide batter equally into 12 large muffin cups.
11. Bake at 375 ° F for 22-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Yield: 12 large muffins.

*The buttermilk will separate as it is heated...and that's fine.