Baking MUFFINS in 1834 |Food History| Modern vs Historic Muffins

Muffins made from a recipe by Thomas Jefferson's granddaughter vs muffins as they are now. How have they changed? It turns out...a lot.
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[@EarlyAmerican]

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!

[@IceLynne]

Wow, those cupcakes look amazing! 😋

[@jnc1028]

@@EarlyAmerican I want to try the muffins first in my fireplace!

[@jnc1028]

@@IceLynne they really do!

[@vinessac]

I love both , I can't wait to try the brown sugar muffin recipe thanks for typing it all out Justine! 😊

[@DestinationsChronicles]

Totally team muffin.

[@dianemacfie-loucks6392]

I just lost my youngest son to cancer, I would love to be in that cabin cooking by myself…just for a few days. The sounds are wonderful.

[@susanrosengren8386]

❤ Bless you and your son❣️🙏

[@cathyburns750]

Oh Diane, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you!! ❤🙏

[@naturewandererZ]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Cancer is a horrible thing. Love and good vibes being sent your way💕

[@ladynikkie]

My condolences to you and your family

[@deborahcollins9623]

I'm so sorry, prayers to you. My Dad passed April 6 and oh how I would love to have had a few days alone.

[@alp-1960]

Dr Price of "Dr Price's baking powder" fame was actor Vincent Price's grandfather.

[@EarlyAmerican]

Uh, I LOVE THAT! I'm a huge Vincent Price fan and his family's candy factory is just an hour away.

[@einerreklov4304]

Interestging. Vincent and his wife authored several cookbooks as I've seen on Dover Editions' website. Dover reproduce other older and out of print/copyright books of all subjects.

[@betsyr4724]

Thanks I didn’t know.

[@D_Revolution_Revo]

Keep making authentic cakes and pizzas like these ..... We love you This channel is a escape ❤❤❤ So aesthetic and peaceful From out-World

[@stevenvaldezii7936]

This channel is a nice break from politics

[@phoenixadventures19]

Agreed!

[@louniece1650]

Yes!❤❤❤

[@jnc1028]

Yup.

[@fluffythecat8526]

Correction: it’s a nice break from life in general ☺️

[@AmericanImperium1776]

Quadruple this 👍

[@leal536]

The first batch of muffins appear to be more like English muffins or American biscuits whereas the 2nd batch looks more like what my grandmother (born in 1880) called sweet muffins.

[@alwaystraining54]

Your grandmother was born in 1880???? May I ask of your age?

[@nadinearnold8235]

Yes i thought exactly the same. The first are like English breakfast muffins as we call them in the UK, the second are just called muffins, and indeed are cakes.

[@tooprotected]

​@@alwaystraining54 That's not impossible. After looking at her channel, I see that "Leal" is a SENIOR. Let's assume that "Leal" is 80 years old. That means that "Leal" was born in 1944. Let's assume that "Leal"'s mom had her when she (the mom) was 30 years old, which means the mom was born in 1914. If the GRANDMOTHER was born in 1880, then that means she had Leal's MOTHER when she (by she, I mean the grandmother) was 34 years old. Of course, the grandmother is dead unless she is still alive at 144 years old. The point is that it is VERY possible for Leal's grandmother to have been born in 1880.

[@swlc5555]

I always heard about the invention of the light bulb, the automobile, and airplane. But I never realized how important the invention baking powder was to enjoy those big fluffy blueberry muffins I eat today! I also enjoyed the insert shot outside where I could hear your hen boasting about the egg she just laid!

[@muffassa6739]

We love watching your videos God bless you 🙏 both. I lost my dear husband and son this last year. And you brought peace to my soul. 😢

[@BuddyH69]

I know why I enjoy your videos so much. It always feels like a holiday when I watch. Thank you

[@pamelawinkelmann6229]

Those muffins look wonderful! Currently, I'm fighting pneumonia (3 weeks now), and as I watch this, I wondered, are there historical receipts for "sick" food, or food for feeding family when someone is ill?

[@jaydoggy9043]

Look up "beef tea" or "chicken tea" - think of it like broth that's been simmered way longer than you think it needs to be, then double it. Essentially the bones/parts of the animal being simmered go for so long that there's truly no flavour possibly left and all in the liquid. The liquid is usually then simmered down considerably to be a particularly strong broth/stock. It's a protein drink in broth form. If it cools down it's like a brick of jello.

[@cassiemarshall8235]

I begin to be more relaxed just watching the peacefulness of your cabin. Now, if only I could smell the goodness of your creations! 😀

[@sandradorsey5001]

Good Sunday evening🎉 I really look foreward to this channel every week , love the cooking that you do from 1800s and baking , just wanted to say thank-you so very much🎉🎉🎉

[@pamp5797]

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.

[@canine6023]

You guys are my calming space. I love what you do. Thankyou so much. Never stop.

[@sugakookie6303]

I love your chicken lid on that pot. Interesting difference between baking powder and non baking powder muffins…the first batch was more like sweet buns…

[@Tameasa]

Your earlier muffins remind me of an English Muffin. Your later muffin looks so good.

[@NanG1466]

How did I miss this episode?. I truly enjoy and appreciate every one and look forward to having a quiet, relaxing few minutes at your cabin, you and Ron bring a look into history and teach us (if ever necessary) how to cook when the conventional way isn't available.

[@LisaDavis-f6q]

Thank you for this channel. I'm new here, and I've enjoyed each video. Since my breast cancer diagnosis and retirement, cooking has become my therapy. I've shared this channel with my daughters. Keep up the good work!

[@janetbieler6626]

Thank you for sharing these recipes. So interesting to see how cooking has changed!

[@OofusTwillip]

Vincent Price's family fortune came from baking powder. His grandfather developed double-action baking powder, sold under the brand name "Dr. Price's". No wonder Vincent was a gourmet cook in his spare time, and wrote several cookbooks!

[@EarlyAmerican]

That's a neat random fact! Thank you for sharing. I love all things Vincent Price and have seen all of his movies. His family's chocolate factory is in St Louis, which is about an hour from us.

[@davidepperson3685]

I love both your channels and plan to try some of the recipes! Thank you for sharing your lives with us.

[@fionasimagination]

Thank you. It's so lovely to just relax your mind for a bit while watching your videos❤

[@ginajackson8482]

I love the hearing the crows and rooster. Your apron and the pumpkins all come together as a lovely start to Fall❤️

[@pattimickelson9861]

Amazing the jar with the Cork top I have a whole set of those. I keep all my spices In those Spice jars

[@nopelindoputraperkasa5869]

Nice sharing Vidio.. very inspiring and useful.. always succses 🇮🇩🙏😍👍👍

[@tandimolner1521]

Aaww thank you Ron and Justine for being here for me and I will be watching every single Wednesday night 💞💞

[@jorritoud536]

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

[@elizabeththequeen943]

To replicate the flour used in 1834, you need to grind and bolt wheat berries. "Hard Winter Wheat" berries. You can get by with just a sifter to bolt it so it rises without collapsing while baking. Grain grinders have come down in price a little and there are all different kinds. Really, the flavor is very different -- much better -- when you use your own freshly ground flours. You can use a whole wheat, too, if it's fresh.

[@wherami]

I just happen to have some of those :)

[@phoebelong7513]

Can you explain about bolting.....you said grind and 'bolt'

[@elizabeththequeen943]

@@phoebelong7513 Bolting is a sifting process that removes the outer skin of the wheat berry from the ground meal. It's always larger and coarser than the meal

[@llc1976]

@@elizabeththequeen943sounds interesting and worth trying!

[@kathiebumpers1767]

Looks great! Thanks for the info and recipes

[@matthewsmom010902]

I absolutely love ❤️ your channel!! It’s such a refreshing break from reality😊 I love the ASMR 😊Been following y’all for a while now and y’all have never failed to lift my spirits comfort me. I thank you for this. The world is a scary place. I am a widow and a retired police officer of 25 years. Again, THANK YOU!!!

[@littlehummingbird1015]

Watching you prepare food, reminds me of the times I was visiting my best friend who was a great cook and baker....I used to sit and watch her while we talked and she created her foods, as you do.

[@sabakakitchen]

Wow! You reverse the time I am feeling myself living in this ERA.. Thanks a lot

[@JuliannaMBlackburn]

The little glimpses of Mish Mish go so well with the pumpkins and Autumn vibe. Thank you for another lovely video!

[@Kirt-Davis]

Love how Mish Mish was sitting on the placemat. My cat is the same. If there's a paper on the coffee table, that's her throne. 😂

[@pbrn1729]

Both of the muffins look good. The first one looks more like English muffins you could slice in half with jelly or an egg in between the 2 halves. The other one look delicious more like modern muffins! It will be interesting what Ron has to say😄

[@MEEPEES]

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.

[@cinm9565]

FYI Cracking eggs on the side of the bowl pushes the shell inward. Professional chefs crack eggs on flat surfaces.

[@historybarf]

It also pushes any potential salmonella into the egg as well.

[@cinm9565]

@@historybarf good point

[@pramalamourier9667]

I am so glad to have the opportunity to learn from you both recreating the old cuisine and life in the 1800s...thank you both so much! It really brightens my day to see what you wonderfully create in your cabin. BTW... The sweet muffins look yummy!!

[@michelebaker6001]

I love that small pot with the chicken lid . 😊 Great video as always .

[@sandralovegrove2805]

One of my very favourite channels to watch 💜 calm & no speaking👍 nature’s sounds🧚‍♀️ Just old fashioned ways you NEED to go back to!

[@kathynorris2371]

Thanks for sharing!❤

[@chrismcelligott5462]

Interesting to see the difference. I bet they both are delicious!

[@AllenMZim]

Justine, both sets of muffins look SO GOOD! 😭 I'm so tempted to try this myself one Sunday morning!

[@jeanprice2514]

Such an adorable center piece. ( Mish Mish). Lol❤🐈❤️ muffins look good.

[@Anastasia-c256]

Your videos are like a warm hug!! Keep up the great work!! Congrats❤

[@LisaG442]

I was worried because that yeast water looked very hot! 😅 I’d imagine muffins would be a special treat as they take more fussy work than a loaf of bread. With 6 kids running amok, the cow needing milking, garden weeds pulling, chicken feeding, clothes washing/mending, kindling chopping and the dozen more chores for the day, big loaves of bread would be more feasible.

[@cassandrahamilton7290]

The older of those 6 kids would be doing the weeding, chicken feeding, and helping with the other chores.

[@hyeonkyoo]

The beautiful natural scenery and the cabin look comfortable and peaceful. 💐💐🤩🤩 Have a happy and beautiful time^^.👍❤🌸☕❤ I support you.🙏🙏❤

[@klwenz93]

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!

[@Privatethanks93]

I love this content so much but as someone who lives in southern Missouri I can’t stop thinking how hot, humid and mosquito-y it would be to cook in there!

[@sylviaharris159]

WOW!! The difference!!! I definitely want to make the second ones!!! 😍😍😍

[@bobcarn]

Both look so good! I could see slicing open the early muffins (which are actually rolls), toasting them, and slathering butter all over them. The later muffins look delicious as a treat!

[@annak1371]

We made your recipe for brown sugar muffins this morning and my nine year old ate 2 of them. We loved them.

[@JamesNYCGuy3]

So relaxing to watch.

[@leithashowers4420]

I’m always so amazed to watch you cook historical! You are so talented and I look forward to every new video. Hope your house is getting closer to y’all moving in.

[@helenbarberxxxx]

I love the lid with the 🐓 on. Fantastic video as always

[@jackieellenbarnes1268]

You are an Amazing Cook. You take chances in Cooking that I would be afraid to. 😊

[@naturewandererZ]

No matter how stressed I am getting to sit down and pretend im here cooking with Justine is always soothing

[@phantumdrummer]

Wow, haven't seen you use the oven in ages! Wish you would have shown more of the prep and use of the oven.

[@MagicCakes-d4g]

Thank you for sharing this fun video with us!

[@jamesc8259]

They both looked amazing! God bless leavening ingredients 😊 I read it was Eben Norton Horsford who invented double action baking powder. I looked it up cause I was curious after watching this ❤

[@robdixon7732]

Looks absolutely delicious! Hope to catch the live, might be working late.

[@Kushi9404]

This channel makes our mind calm ❤❤❤ Love from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

[@karenpierce1720]

I was recently looking over different kinds of breads and I noticed potato bread actually has a potato in it… Lol you learn something new every day. Is that a recipe you can try? I would love to see this.❤

[@KatsKats96720]

Oh my gosh I absolutely love the chicken lid!!! That’s awsome! ❤

[@LordEradicus]

I love these videos immensely, but sometimes that black cat is a scene stealer! 😄

[@almostcrazycosplay]

Oh! So like English muffins first. I’ve always wanted to try making them from scratch. The second muffins look so yummy!

[@teresazufelt6510]

Very relaxing to watch for sure

[@seanhp73]

I have always loved the measurements for things like cinnamon. 1/2 a teaspoon is not a thing, just dump and go

[@margui6224]

I would love to taste the pre 1860 muffins and also the modern one. Thank you Justine for the recipes.

[@johnrichards3646]

Will definitely have to try these. Thank you.

[@femalism1715]

Thanks Justine! It looks like 'hardtack bisquits' vs. cupcakes! (not biscuits but bisquit with yeast). I can't wait for the Chew 'n Chat to learn your impressions.

[@phantomwheeler81]

Awesome as always. The ending was funny lol

[@susanagutierrez6148]

Hi from Texas those muffins look good now I am waiting for the other video Frontier Patriot drinking my cup of coffee "God bless you both

[@markcummings6856]

Nicely done. Thanks.

[@LurkerSmurf]

The first recipe is a no-knead English muffin. Full stop. They would taste slightly like sourdough. It's easier to transfer them from the plate to griddle if you sprinkle cornmeal on the rising surface. I hope the Chew & Chat shows if there were any nooks and crannies.

[@Figgatella]

Was the outdoor stove heated by fire? I didn’t catch it.😊 Thank you!

[@cindyobrien9270]

Yes, it’s heated by wood fire

[@terrymelnick3500]

Always enjoy your videos they are so calming ❤

[@EarlyAmerican]

Thank you Terry!

[@judymcdermott3466]

Mishmish is such a beauty!!

[@jaydoggy9043]

Those first muffins are screaming a need for sausage gravy. I gotta try those.

[@historybarf]

Yum

[@oritshabat3658]

Hello, I would like to point out that I enjoy your channel so much, I'm really in love with what you show us, thank you for the beauty you invest in. Hello from Israel.❤❤❤

[@hiho8084]

My only comment on that first recipe is that the second rise should have been directly on the item that was to be put on the fire. That would have assured that the "muffins," were more fluffy, like rolls. When you had to transfer the dough on to the hot pan, it deflated the dough, and from my experience the second rise is for getting the dough to it's final form before the bake/fry. But I could be completely wrong. Thank you Justine for the comparison! Mish Mish is stunningly handsome.

[@denisebledsoe8836]

Blah blah blah.. just watch the video!!!

[@Christian_Girl120]

And Mish is continuing his supervisory duties (sometimes with commentary)!!!😂

[@LydiaHuff2901]

Random thought here: It has been about 2 years since your last "Questions & Answers" video (with Kandye at her shop). Do you plan to make another FAQ video sometime? I'm sure your fans would love to watch one again! 🥰 🗣️💬

[@Kathleen-mv6in]

They look delicious ❤❤❤❤❤😅

[@patricknester435]

I have loved watching your show for quite some time. And when you was dating and living in the big manor house. An internet that big burly guys that you call husband I appreciate what you've done for us. He gave us some mind escape. And I love watching your channel. Keep up the good work and made. The lord always bless you amen

[@aimee2234]

Both look delicious, Justine! I hope you and Ron have a blessed and glorious week! xoxo

[@marykopydlowski4654]

Last year I went to a cider party October 13 and I fell in Nampa at a car wash. 13 stitches or so. Black and blue for Halloween. I might go again maybe

[@mrs.g.9816]

I think the older style yeast muffins would be great with melted butter on them. I thought, maybe they're a form of English muffin, which I love toasted with butter. The sweet muffins with the spices would be wonderful with a cuppa tea.

[@Clare-qo5jv]

The brown sugar muffins recipe sounds so good! At this time of year every time I see Mish I think "Halloween"!

[@bwhite495]

Love it. Thank you

[@betsyr4724]

That’s one hot roaring fire. Its an art form cooking over a fire you’ve excelled at.

[@colorvision7]

I love the rooster pot! So adorable 😍

[@reneemarie618]

Yum. And I love the rooster pan!

[@JanTrewhitt]

Yes, I thought the early muffins would be like little bread pieces! Give me the second batch any day!! Blessings.

[@tammieradcliff623]

Where did you get your cookware? I like them. I would love to try your way of living. I love your program. I just want to say thank you. Your cooking has given me a lot to think about cooking from the old way

[@carolcorrigan3130]

Now I'M hungry . Looks great .❤❤❤❤

[@diannkelley3481]

What a world of difference between the two. The second ones look great!

[@dapurmahen]

Resep istimewa sekali

[@seasonsofphilly1993]

The first batch were like homemade English muffins. Your second batch of modern muffins looked delicious. I bet the aroma from the cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar was delectable.

[@jamieott7080]

It must have been really hot that day lol! I wonder if she liked the bread muffins? They look pretty good!