GREAT GRANDMA RIETSMA // BRAN MUFFIN RECIPE

Writing these words hold so much significance to me because they are about my great grandparents. I was so fortunate to grow up knowing them so well! I've mentioned it before but my family would spend our summers in Northern Michigan at our cottage. One of my most vivid memories is spending the afternoons with my great grandparents. They always made time for me. We would spend an entire afternoon playing cards at their little round table with the screen door open that faced the lake and the sound of boats passing and laughter would stream into the cottage. This cottage that my great-grandpa built with his own two hands. 

Of course, while we played games there was always something in the oven filling the cottage with the sweet aroma of baked goods. Banana bread, molasses cookies or bran muffins. Great-Grandma Rietsma always had a recipe for us to make! While they don't tend to be widely loved, I have always liked Bran muffins simply because they are a part of my childhood. 

They lived a simple life that centered around their love for the Lord and their family. I didn't notice it at the time but in hindsight I see what an incredible example of marriage they set for me. They adored each other and everyone knew it! They were married on July 3, 1938 which makes today their wedding anniversary and they were fortunate enough to celebrate 64 beautiful years of marriage together. As a wedding gift, my mom laminated several of her recipe cards for me to have and I will forever cherish them because I love reading her handwriting while I bake! I hope you can enjoy this Bran Muffin recipe which you will find at the end of this post. Thank you great grandma and grandpa for your love and for your legacy!

Great Grandma Reitsma's Bran Muffins // 

3 Cups Buttermilk 

3 Cups Bran Flakes

1 Cup Oil 

3 Eggs

1 Cup Brown Sugar 

1 Cup White Sugar 

1 Teaspoon Vanilla

3 Teaspoons Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Salt

3 Cups Flour 

3 Teaspoons Baking Powder

Mix Buttermilk and Bran flakes together and let stand 10 minutes. 

Combine oil, eggs, brown & white sugar, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Add buttermilk & Bran mixture. Stir in flour and baking powder, be careful not to over mix. 

Bake at 350 Degrees for 25 minutes in greased muffin tin and voila, yummy Bran Muffins! The picture below are my great grand parents Russ & Clyta.