Date Bran Muffins with Honey & Brown Sugar

Ingredients: 1 cup wheat bran, 1 cup buttermilk*, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup brown sugar (+ 2 tablespoons for later), 2 eggs, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 cup chopped dates, 1 large banana,  1/2 cup nuts**

Preheat Oven to 400 degrees and line a dozen muffin tins with paper liners.

Microwave the banana  on high for about 90 seconds and mash with a fork.  In a large bowl combine all the other ingredients and mix well.  Add in the banana.  Sprinkle extra 2 tablespoons of brown sugar on top of the muffins to create a nice golden sugary crust. 

*You can substitue the buttermilk for plain milk or soymilk.
** I suggest walnuts, but feel free to add in some almonds or chopped pecans.

One more note:   You can go Vegan on these by omitting the honey in favor of molasses and using egg substitute.