Step back in time with me to the year 1834, when muffins were a beloved treat made by Thomas Jefferson’s granddaughter. These muffins were a far cry from the fluffy, sweet confections we are used to today. They were humble, hearty, and full of wholesome ingredients that reflected the simplicity of the era.
As we embark on this culinary time travel, we will explore how muffins have evolved over the years and discover the secrets of making them the old-fashioned way. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, dust off your apron, and embrace the rustic charm of 19th-century baking.
The first thing you’ll notice when making these 1834 muffins is the lack of modern conveniences. No electric mixers or food processors here – just good old-fashioned elbow grease and a wooden spoon. The ingredients are equally simple: flour, milk, eggs, butter, and a touch of sugar. No fancy add-ins or flavorings, just the basics done right.
Mixing the batter feels like a workout, but the end result is worth it. The dough is thick and sticky, with a rough texture that speaks of handcrafted goodness. No uniform muffin cups or silicone liners; just spoonfuls of batter dropped onto a hot griddle to bake to golden perfection.
As the muffins cook, the aroma of butter and flour fills the kitchen, transporting you back to a time when baking was a labor of love. The sizzle of the batter hitting the griddle is music to your ears, a symphony of comfort and nostalgia that can’t be replicated with modern shortcuts.
When the muffins are done, they are unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Crisp on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, with a subtle sweetness that lingers on your tongue. These muffins may not be Instagram-worthy, but they are a true taste of history, a connection to a simpler time when food was pure and unadorned.
So let’s take a step back in time and savor the flavors of 1834. Let’s make muffins the way they were meant to be, with respect for tradition and a love of the craft. Let’s honor the past as we bake for the future, one delicious bite at a time.
Watch the video by Early American
Video “What were MUFFINS like in 1834? Let’s Make Them |ASMR Food History|” was uploaded on 09/12/2024 to Youtube Channel Early American
You should make crumpets next, but you’ll need crumpet rings. They are a very big deal in the UK.
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Always interesting
Both look delicious, Justine! I hope you and Ron have a blessed and glorious week! xoxo
Lol I think I prefer the modern ones
I could sit and watch you cook all day! I'm always amazed at how it turns out. Thanks for this channel and Frontier Patriot! I'm looking forward to seeing your house finished. Have the best day ever!
Those second ones looks delicious
Boa tarde saudades de seus vídeos eu via todos os dias só que como estou com muitos afazeres em casa minha irmã mas velha doente 😢ai fica difícil ver todo dia
Will definitely have to try these. Thank you.
HELLO FROM FINLAND THANK YOU SO MUCH ALWAYS WATCHING YOU❤❤❤ LANDEMARI ❤
Baking powder #1 YUM much Better
Ahhh don't watch to often but when I do I am totally relaxed and zen, and learned something as well! Thank you for making these kind of episodes, fun! from the Netherlands with
What a world of difference between the two. The second ones look great!
The second recipe was for people who labored hard all day long. In our day and age it is diabetes and heart attack in a cup for most people.
Interesting. Most recipes have you fill 2-3 full yet yours arent. Looks good
The second batch looks great 👍 the first batch more like biscuits I thought
Your videos are like a warm hug!! Keep up the great work!! Congrats❤
Love the video. I would eat both, but would probably split and toast the first one.
Why was lard so prevalent? Because it was cheap or there weren’t alternatives?
Wow, haven't seen you use the oven in ages! Wish you would have shown more of the prep and use of the oven.
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Justine those Brown Sugar Muffins looked AMAZING and I’m so glad you shared your receipt with us! I’m a big at home baker and will 100% be trying these next, and glad I got the lard too!
Feels wrong that I prefer the old ones? I do like the addition of lard, better than oil. Still, got a thing for fire roasted bread
That’s one hot roaring fire. Its an art form cooking over a fire you’ve excelled at.
And Mish is continuing his supervisory duties (sometimes with commentary)!!!😂
I sure wish you would put out two videos a week. Yours are my favorite. I love just listening to the quiet. And this video has a crow cawing. Love it.
I am going to try both.😊.
Cute chicken pot! Thank you!
Interesting
LOVED this… Thank you for the history and your wonderful cookery. I kept thinking homemade Apple butter, butter, homemade cream cheese 1800's recipes for these wonderful muffins you made. Tea and your muffins is wonderful to chat with family or friends.
Justine running off with the modern muffins 😂😂😂😂😂😂
The older version look like English scones the later version more like modern muffins … then comes the taste test … can’t wait to see what you both think about these
Hi Mish Mish!!!🐱
Hi Mish Mish! of course you are going to sit on the cloth at the table just like you should, LOL! We love your muffins once they invented baking powder!
Team cupcake or team muffin? Pre 1860 muffins resemble modern day English muffins, which are also usually cooked on the stovetop instead of baked. The invention of double action baking powder (which was more readily accessible to American housewife's in the 1800s than single action baking powder as it is still to this day) gave way to the evolution of the muffin turning into a small, cup cooked cake.
Septimia Anne Randolph Meikleham's Recipe for Muffins (recorded 1834-1887)
2 cups of flour
1 tablespoon of active dry yeast OR 100g of sourdough starter (more period correct)
1 cup of warm water (add more if needed)
1 tsp of salt (not mentioned in the original recipe but possibly added looking at other muffin recipes from the time period)
1 tablespoon of butter or lard for cooking
In a bowl combine your flour, salt, yeast and water. Work up into a dough. The original recipe mentions that this dough will be on the sticky side. Add more flour or water if your dough is too runny or too dry. Sit out in a warm place overnight, or for at least 5 hours. It should double in size in this time. Roll out into balls and let sit for another hour. Melt your butter or lard in a gridle or skillet and cook the muffins on each side for 5-8 minutes, flipping once during cooking. Enjoy with butter or jam.
Brown Sugar Muffins, Justine's Own
2 cups of flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 tsp of salt
1/2 cup of white sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar + 2 tablespoons for the topping
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
A pinch of clove
2 eggs, whisked
2/3 cup melted lard or vegetable oil
1 cup of milk
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugars and spices. Stir up till well blended. In a separate bowl mix together your wet ingredients the eggs, oil, milk and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix till smooth and free of lumps. Pour into a well greased muffin pan, filling each pan until it's about 90% full to leave room for expansion. Sprinkle the top with brown sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Allow to sit in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing. These taste good with chopped walnuts inside as well!