Bran Muffins

2 cups boiling water
5 tsp. baking soda
1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 quart buttermilk
5 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
4 cups all bran cereal
2 cups 40% bran flakes
2 cups chopped dates (optional)
1 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

Add soda to boiling water and cool.  Cream shortening and sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time; stir in buttermilk, then add flour and salt.  Add water and soda to above mixture.  Add cereals, dates and nuts.  Spoon into well greased muffin tins.  Never stir or beat, just fold ingredients together.  Store unused mixture in refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.  Bake at 375 degrees fro 20 minutes.