Bran Muffins

Step 1: Place the bran in a bowl and stir in the boiling water. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the butter with the brown sugar.

Step 3: Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4: Add the vanilla and molasses and beat until well blended.

Step 5: Add the bran and beat until combined.

Step 6: In a large bowl, whisk or stir together, the flour, oats, cinnamon, orange zest, salt, baking soda and powder.

Step 7: Mix together the half-and-half and buttermilk.

Step 8: Add the flour mixture, alternately with the wet ingredients, to the bran mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Step 9: Cover and place the batter in the refrigerator until chilled (this can be chilled overnight).

Step 10: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

Step 11: Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Set aside.

Step 12: Fill the muffin cups, using two spoons or an ice cream scoop, about 3/4 full and

Step 13: Bake 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Step 14: Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.