Good-Cooking - Honey Bran Muffins with Dates or Figs

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose or whole wheat pastry flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups wheat or oat bran
• 3/4 cup chopped dried figs or pitted dates
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups buttermilk