Country living seems to bring with it a certain anticipation of relaxed gatherings that also include tasty food! Outdoor picnics involving BBQ chicken and fresh sweet corn bring out the “country” in all of us.  I love cooking and I love entertaining.  However, my kitchen is small, so I have to be creative when cooking for a crowd. This means taking advantage of all the popular make-ahead recipes that are around today.

One make-ahead recipe I love to use has actually been in my recipe box for several years. I received it from a friend who expertly cooked  large quantities of delicious food for church dinners on many occasions. This is a tried-and-true favorite for me. These Bran Muffins will beat all the others you may have tried in categories of taste, texture, and simplicity. These also freeze well, so you can  take out just a few at a time and the flavor will still be outstanding!

Bran Muffins

• 5 cups flour
• 3 cups sugar
• 5 tsp baking soda
• 10-12 oz. Raisin Bran

Mix these dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Then add:

• 4 beaten eggs
• 1 cup oil
• 1 quart buttermilk

Mix thoroughly.  Cover and allow to set overnight in refrigerator (can be stored in fridge for a week).  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Do not mix the batter! Scoop muffin batter into regular muffin tin cups sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.  Do not overfill the muffin tin cups. Bake for 15 minutes.  Allow to cool for a few minutes in pans.  Remove to cooling rack.  Makes 4-5 dozen.

Perfect for a bridal shower brunch or a Christmas family gathering — or just with your coffee in the morning.  Enjoy!