Double-chocolate Nutrient-Rich Oil Free Bran Muffins

yields: 20 Muffins

3 cups wheat bran (this looks like sawdust and is found in the bulk section)
1 cup boiling water
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 1/2 baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Measure 1 cup bran and 1 cup boiling water into large bowl. Let stand for 5 min.
Add buttermilk, eggs, sugar, and pumpkin. Whisk until smooth.
Ina med. bowl combine flour, remaining 2 cups bran, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Whisk until combined
Add dry ingredients to wet ones gradually while mixing gently with large spoon. Add choc. chips
Spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. Bake 350 for 20min. Cool in pan for 5 min them remove eat warm or room temp. They freeze well too!