Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

 

    

One of my little boys absolutely loves blueberries and recently asked me to make blueberry muffins. I meant to do it right away, but a week or so passed and I kept forgetting to buy baking powder. Thankfully, he didn't let me forget for long—he kept reminding me every chance he got.

When I finally had everything I needed, I went searching for a good recipe and came across the “Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins.” I had no idea who or what Jordan Marsh was, so I did a little digging. Turns out, it was a beloved New England department store chain, founded in 1841 by Benjamin L. Marsh and Eben Dyer Jordan. The store operated until the late 1990s and was especially known for its Boston location, festive holiday displays, and—of course—its famous blueberry muffins.

I wish I’d had the chance to visit Jordan Marsh back in the day. Reading about it got me thinking about all the iconic department stores that have disappeared over the years. According to Google, stores like F.W. Woolworth, Marshall Field’s, Gimbels, Hecht’s, Lord & Taylor, Bon-Ton, Mervyn’s, Hudson’s, Montgomery Ward, Lazarus, Filene’s, and Rich’s were once major fixtures in American shopping. I remember visiting a Marshall Field’s in Chicago once, and we used to have a Montgomery Ward right here in Springfield.

I ended up using the King Arthur version of the Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffin recipe, though it looks like there are quite a few variations out there. The muffins turned out absolutely delicious—I’d definitely make them again. Next time, I might mash the blueberries a bit more. My son gave them a solid thumbs-up: he ate two and immediately asked for a third! Even the baby enjoyed them. I froze the extras, and we’ve been enjoying them every weekend. It's probably time to bake another batch!

Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffin Recipe