Chocolate Bran Muffins

I make Mom’s bran muffins weekly with shredded carrots, nuts, cranberries or apples, tons of cinnamon (or a lemon blueberry version in season) etc. Matthew and I use them for breakfast on the go or snacks. I had a chocolate craving this morning so tried a combination of other recipes and came up with this version using Mom’s original recipe changed up a bit. I used mini chocolate chips today.  These were pretty darn yummy for something that has some healthy elements. I thought the chocoholics in the family might be interested.

4 1/2 cups bran flakes

2 cups milk

3 eggs, lightly beaten

2/3 cups oil

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup Dutch processed cocoa

2 1/2 cups flour

2 1/2 tsp. Baking soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp. instant coffee grainules

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts

Pour milk on top of bran flakes to soften. Add eggs, oil, coffee and sugar and mix. Sift or combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add cinnamon. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Add chips and nuts if desired. Place in lined muffin cups. Bake 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees.

Submitted by Eileen.