Sift first 4 dry mix ingredients, stir in bran & dates. Combine wet mix ingredients. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined, cover & refrigerate overnight. (These muffins can be made & cooked on the same day, but are not as nice as if the mixture is left to stand overnight). Next day, spoon into prepared pans & bake at 425°F for 20 mins or until done. Serve hot with butter. Makes 20 muffins.