GOLDEN APPLE BRAN MUFFINS

2 large golden delicious apples, pared, cored and chopped
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup boiling water
3 cups whole bran cereal
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs slightly beaten
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup finely chopped dates or raisins
2 1/2 cup flour
2 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
dash of salt

Saute apples in butter for 10 min. or until tender. Pour boiling water over bran; add apples, buttermilk, eggs, sugar and dates. Combine flour, baking soda, spices and salt; stir into bran mixture just until combined. Refrigerate in tightly covered container at least 24 hours. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin pans 3/4 full; bake at 400 degrees 20-25 min. or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean.