Grandma's Bran Muffins

4 c. Bran Buds
2 c. All Bran
2 c. chopped dates
2 c. boiling water
1 c. butter or margarine
2 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
2 T (scant) baking soda
1 quart buttermilk
5 c. flour

Combine cereals and dates in a very large bowl and pour boiling water over. Let cool.

Cream together butter, sugar, and eggs and add to cereal mixture.

Combine buttermilk and baking soda and add alternately with flour.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.

*This mixture may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks -- bake as needed.