For the Bran Muffins: In bowl combine sugar, raisins, bran, honey, soda, salt, oil, eggs and buttermilk. Blend well. Stir in pastry flour to incorporate until smooth.

For the Honey Smear: In bowl cream brown sugar with butter or shortening, honey and water until smooth. Coat bottom and sides of 4 1/2 dozen muffin cups with Honey Smear.

Pour into pans prepared with Honey Smear. Bake at 350 degrees 20 to 25 minutes or until muffins test done.

Makes 4 1/2 dozen muffins. Each muffin contains about: 121 calories; 36 mg sodium; 8 mg cholesterol; 4 grams fat; 21 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams protein;

0.34 gram fiber.

"Dear Sos: We had some wonderful bran muffins at the Harris Ranch in Coalinga, Calif. I'd love the recipe if the Harris Ranch people would share it. -Stella"

"Dear Stella: According to a Harris Ranch executive, the baker usually prepares 25 dozen muffins per batch. But he kindly reduced the recipe to make 4 1/2 dozen for our readers. Be warned that no baked product reproduces exactly when ingredients are broken down. Be prepared for changes in taste and texture.-Rose Dosti in the La Times 10/7/93"