I particularly like using fresh dates for these muffins as they are so sweet and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup bran flakes
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 2 large bananas, well mashed
• ¼ cup golden syrup
• 125 grams butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup finely chopped dates, fresh or dried
• 12 walnuts or pecans

Method

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar and salt into a large bowl. Stir through the bran flakes and make a well in the centre.
2. In a jug, mix together the milk, egg, vanilla essence, mashed banana and golden syrup. Stir into the dry ingredients, with the melted butter and chopped dates.
3. Divide evenly among 12 well-greased muffin tins and top each with a walnut or pecan.
4. Bake at 220ºc for 18-20 minutes until well-risen and golden. Cool in the tins for 5 mintues before serving.

Cooks Tips

- Keep bran in an airtight container away from sunlight once your've opened the packet. It will keep fresher that way and also reduce any chance of the bran becoming rancid.