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Bucket of Muffins
Mary ArMinnie Ward Burr
Bloomington
McLean County, Illinois
(Transcribed by: Teri Moncelle Colglazier)

Makes 4 to 5 dozen Keeps 6 weeks 1 box raisin bran (15 ounces) 1 cup raisins 5 teaspoons soda 5 cups sifted flour 2 teaspoons salt 3 cups sugar (white or brown) - (for diabetics use sugar twin) 1 cup vegetable oil (or two sticks oleo - soften oleo on lowest heat) 4 egggs, beaten 1 quart buttermilk (icy cold) Mix all dry ingredients well in a large bowl (about 1-1/2 to 2 gallon size). Beat eggs, oleo and milk. Add to dry ingredients mixing well with hands. Store in covered refrigerator dish in refrigerator at once (a 1 gallon plastic ice cream buck with lid is perfect). Fill paper liners or teflon cupcake pan 3/4 full. Bake as needed in 400 degree oven. DO NOT STIR AT ANYTIME! (Transcriber note: My grandmother was a wonderfully fantastic nurse, but unfortunately, not a very good cook, in fact most of her attempts at cooking were rather inedible. However, this is one recipe that she made that even she couldn't ruin!) Mary ArMinnie Ward was born on her family's farm (Thornton Ward / John Harrison Ward Estate historic home in Greenup, Cumberland County, Illinois) on 2 Jan 1912 to John Harrison and Grace Fern Green Ward. She was the oldest of ten children. She married Garrison "Garrie" Richard Burr on 24 May 1936 in Greenup. They had five children and while the family moved around a lot during their early years they eventually settled in Bloomington-Normal, McLean County, Illinois where all the children graduated from Normal Community High School. Mary passed away on 20 Aug 1997 and is buried in the Greenup Cemetery in Greenup, Illinois. [Moncelle Family Records]

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