### Dreamy Blueberry Muffins: A Gastronomic Pleasure
These blueberry muffins are a scrumptious delight, notable for their cake-like consistency, moisture, and bursts of blueberry jammy sweetness, finished with a crispy sugary topping. The idea for these muffins emerged during a stroll when a sudden desire hit, prompting an impromptu trip to a bakery. During a conversation about muffin favorites, it was uncovered that blueberry muffins were a top choice due to their sentimental value, especially the iconic Jordan Marsh recipe.
#### The Heritage of Jordan Marsh
Jordan Marsh was a famous New England department store, particularly celebrated for its blueberry muffins offered at the bakery in its flagship Boston store. These muffins were famed for their size and irresistible nature, leading many to make special journeys just to indulge. The recipe has since evolved into a treasured classic among muffin aficionados.
#### How to Bake Blueberry Muffins
Making these muffins is a simple procedure that produces delightful outcomes. Here’s a guide to follow:
1. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**: Mix 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar until light and airy. Incorporate 1 large egg and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
2. **Sift Dry Ingredients**: In another bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder by sifting.
3. **Combine Mixtures**: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with 1/4 cup of milk, commencing and concluding with the flour mixture.
4. **Fold in Blueberries**: Carefully fold in 1 cup of rinsed and dried blueberries.
5. **Prepare Muffin Tin**: Line a standard muffin tin with 6 liners and distribute the batter into each. Top with coarse sanding sugar for added texture.
6. **Bake**: Set the oven to 375°F and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool and Savor**: Once baked, take the muffins out of the tin, let them cool, and enjoy!
#### What is Sanding Sugar?
Sanding sugar is a coarse sugar that provides a delightful crunch and sweetness to baked items. Although not mandatory, it enhances the muffins’ texture and flavor. It can be found in most grocery stores or online.
#### Blueberry Season
The prime season for blueberries differs by area. In the southern U.S., it generally spans from May to July, while in northern states, it may last into October. During the winter months, blueberries are frequently brought in from the southern hemisphere, making frozen blueberries a practical option. When using frozen, allow them to thaw and coat them in flour to avoid the batter turning purple.
#### Wild vs. Cultivated Blueberries
Most blueberries found in stores are cultivated (highbush), while wild blueberries (lowbush) present a more potent flavor and greater antioxidant levels. If you come across wild blueberries, they are worth sampling for a distinct taste experience.
#### Muffin Tins
Although a standard muffin pan is optimal, other baking containers can work equally well. Individual tins or even parchment paper can serve to create muffins without conventional liners, offering flexibility in presentation.
### Blueberry Muffin Recipe
**Servings**: 6
**Ingredients**:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
– 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 tsp kosher salt
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 cup blueberries (washed and dried)
– 1 tbsp coarse sanding sugar (for topping)
**Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla.
2. Sift flour, salt, and baking powder; mix into the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
3. Gently fold in the blueberries.
4. Line the muffin tin with 6 liners, fill with batter, and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Cool and savor!
**Nutrition Facts** (per muffin):
– Calories: 258
– Fat: 8.7g
– Saturated Fat: 5.8g
– Cholesterol: 52mg
– Sodium: 30mg
– Carbohydrates: 42.4g
– Fiber: 1.2g
– Sugar: 25g
– Protein: 3.7g
These blueberry muffins are not merely a dessert but a sentimental journey back to the cherished flavors of Jordan Marsh, making them an ideal complement to any breakfast or