1 cup natural wheat bran
1 cup boiling water
½ cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 ½ cups buttermilk
2 ½ cups AP flour
1 tsp salt
5 tsp baking soda
1 cup raisins
2 cup Bran Flakes
Place natural bran in a small bowl, pour boiling water over it and let stand. Meanwhile cream shortening, sugar and eggs. Beat in buttermilk, then add soaked bran and combine well. Sift flour, salt and soda together and stir into mixture. Add remaining ingredients. Refrigerate in a covered container. Refrigerate at least 24 hours before baking. Batter will keep a month. Bake in 375F oven for 20-25 minutes.