Gift in a Jar: Cranberry Bran Muffins

Layer in a 1-quart glass jar or a 32-ounce canister or container with a tight-fitting lid the following ingredients, adding each ingredient at a time in this order: the 1-1/2 cups flour, baking powder, salt, soda, 1/4 teaspoon spice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, whole bran cereal, cranberries, and pecans or almonds. Tap jar gently on the counter to settle each layer before adding the next.

For streusel topping, in a small bowl, stir together the 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and the 1/4 teaspoon ground spice. Place streusel topping in a small plastic bag; seal with a small twist tie. Place streusel topping in jar. Cover the jar.

Give as a gift (or store the layered jar of muffin ingredients at room temperature up to 1 month) and attach a recipe card with the following instructions:

1. Before using, remove streusel mixture; set aside. Shake remaining ingredients in jar to mix.

2. Line twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups or grease.

3. For muffins: In a large bowl, combine 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 cup milk; and 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Using a wooden spoon, stir in jar contents until just combined. Spoon batter into cups, filling each two-thirds full.

4. For streusel topping: In a small bowl, cut 2 tablespoons butter into streusel mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle each with streusel mixture.

5. Bake, uncovered, in a 400 degree f oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups. Serve warm. Makes 12 muffins.