Bran Muffins-In-Waiting

--Adopted Recipe-- Note: Preparation time does not include the 6 hours standing time in refrigerator.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 24 2 1/2-inch muffins

Ingredients

• 1  cup water
• 3 1⁄2 cups  oat bran or 3 1⁄2 cups  wheat bran
• 2 1⁄2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1⁄2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 2  eggs
• 2  cups  sour milk

Directions

1. Mix water with 1 cup bran.
2. Sift flour with baking soda.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
4. Add sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition.
5. Blend in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Scrape sides of bowl often.
7. Stir in flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time, alternating with butter/sour milk, added 1/2 cup at a time also.
8. Stir in soaked bran and the remaining bran cereal.
9. Cover and store in refrigerator at least 6 hours before baking.
10. To bake muffins, heat oven to 400 degrees F.
11. Grease 2 1/2-inch Muffin Cups.
12. Stir batter gently.
13. Fill each muffin cup with about 1/4 c batter.
14. Bake about 20 minutes, or until nicely browned.
15. Remove from pan and serve hot with butter.