* Finely chopped pitted dates may be substituted to get Date Muffins. ~- Mix cereal and milk. Let stand a few minutes until most of the milk is absorbed.

Grease 12 2 1/2-inch muffin cups. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar into a medium-sized bowl. Stir to mix well. Add dates/raisins and nuts; toss to mix.

Add egg and oil to soaked cereal and beat well with a fork. Pour into flour mixture and stir only until dry ingredients are moistened. Batter will be lumpy.

Drop batter into prepared pans, filling each cup half to two-thirds full. Bake about 30 minutes, or until browned. Remove from pan and serve hot with butter and jelly or preserves.