Category: Boston:101

Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

Last week we told you a bit about Jordan Marsh the department store. This week we are remembering those wonderful Jordan Marsh Blueberry muffins.

Just as you see tourists today walking around the North End with boxes from Mike's Pastry, you once saw box after box of both visitors and locals in Downtown Crossing carrying white boxes with blue lettering filled with dozens of Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins.

Old Jordan Marsh building, side entrance off of Summer street, 1975 photo by Andrew Zalewski from the Boston Public Library print department.

The New England Historical Society explained that it was not unusual for a department store to be known for an edible specialty.

"Each department store had a signature food item: chicken croquettes were a favorite at Shepard’s in Providence, almond macaroons at Gilchrist’s in Boston. Sage-Allen in Springfield smelled like sticky buns, so spicy they almost burned the tongue. The aroma from the bakery wafted up the escalators, drawing customers into the basement. Date nut bread sandwiches with cream cheese were a favorite at G. Fox. And Jordan Marsh’s blueberry muffins were a required treat at the end of shopping trips to Boston."

Here's a Collection of Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffin Recipes

First up is the Boston Globe where this was a favorite topic with food editors across the years. This one is from the team that worked under Sheryl Julian in 2013.

Yankee Magazine offered both history and a recipe.

King Arthur Flour is another source of trusted baking recipes. Here's their version of Famous Department Store Blueberry Muffins.

The Diva of Dining offers a recipe and a bit more muffin history.

My own recipe for the muffins comes from this little book, Mostly Muffins that I borrowed a number of times from the Boston Public Library until the copy they had was literally falling apart and then disappeared. Eventually, I found a used copy on Amazon.

In my favorite version, you mash some of the blueberries to create a deep blueberry color and flavor and the sugar on top is mixed with nutmeg. Nutmeg sugar is now a constant in my pantry adding zing to everything from cereal to banana on toast.

By the way, the muffin in the top photo is fromThe Wholy Grain bakery Café in the South End and they make my favorite bakery version of this treat.

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny, Entrance photo by Andrew Zalewski, used under creative commons license.

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March 30, 2016
When Jordan Marsh Was the Heart of Downtown Crossing

It was recently announced that with the settlement of a lawsuit Strategic Marks, a company with plans for its future, at least online, has acquired the rights to the Jordan Marsh name. This had me thinking about the past and the importance of Jordan Marsh here in Boston.

This postcard circa 1907-1915 from the Boston Public Library Collection shows the expanded main store on the corner of Summer and Washington Streets.

By 1938 the company had acquired more property and added the home furnishings annex across Avon Street. In the years to follow, they would acquire all the property on those blocks. I seem to recall that they also owned or rented space in some additional buildings in the area that were used for sales support departments. (Disclosure: I worked for Jordan Marsh for a number of years.)

History from Around the Internet

Locally we have the site: Shopping Days in Retro Boston with some great coverage of Jordan Marsh. I found the story of the sky bridge from the main store to the annex, interesting.

There are national sites like the Department Store Museum that specialize in retail history state by state. From the homepage you can look up the major stores in most states.

And the store has been featured on Mass Moments.

What are your Jordan Marsh memories? Did you ever work in a department store? If so, what do you think of service today?

Watch for our upcoming post on Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: as noted and linked under each image.

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March 24, 2016
When Jordan Marsh Was the Heart of Downtown Crossing

It was recently announced that with the settlement of a lawsuit Strategic Marks, a company with plans for its future, at least online, has acquired the rights to the Jordan Marsh name. This had me thinking about the past and the importance of Jordan Marsh here in Boston.

This postcard circa 1907-1915 from the Boston Public Library Collection shows the expanded main store on the corner of Summer and Washington Streets.

By 1938 the company had acquired more property and added the home furnishings annex across Avon Street. In the years to follow, they would acquire all the property on those blocks. I seem to recall that they also owned or rented space in some additional buildings in the area that were used for sales support departments. (Disclosure: I worked for Jordan Marsh for a number of years.)

History from Around the Internet

Locally we have the site: Shopping Days in Retro Boston with some great coverage of Jordan Marsh. I found the story of the sky bridge from the main store to the annex, interesting.

There are national sites like the Department Store Museum that specialize in retail history state by state. From the homepage you can look up the major stores in most states.

And the store has been featured on Mass Moments.

What are your Jordan Marsh memories? Did you ever work in a department store? If so, what do you think of service today?

Watch for our upcoming post on Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: as noted and linked under each image.

Related articles

Then & Now: Snow Shoveling in Boston

Boston Fireworks from Another Time …

More Ways to Save Money by Linking with the Boston Public Library

March 24, 2016
Just In Case the Snow Melted Yesterday Before You Saw It …

We took a walk and collected some photos for you.

We both love this Himalayan Birch tree in the Public Garden. This scene actually looks wintry.

But a change of perspective that included the White Willows shows the changeling nature of this season's weather.

On the sunny side of the Back Bay streets, the White Magnolias are ready to burst into bloom and we even found one of the Pink ones with blossoms opening.

Flower arrangements planted to welcome Spring had a bit of snow frosting.

We took this one at the start of our walk and the snow was gone by the time we returned. Now let's hope we can all get back to enjoying time sitting on park benches and maybe even dining outdoors.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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March 22, 2016
Just In Case the Snow Melted Yesterday Before You Saw It …

We took a walk and collected some photos for you.

We both love this Himalayan Birch tree in the Public Garden. This scene actually looks wintry.

But a change of perspective that included the White Willows shows the changeling nature of this season's weather.

On the sunny side of the Back Bay streets, the White Magnolias are ready to burst into bloom and we even found one of the Pink ones with blossoms opening.

Flower arrangements planted to welcome Spring had a bit of snow frosting.

We took this one at the start of our walk and the snow was gone by the time we returned. Now let's hope we can all get back to enjoying time sitting on park benches and maybe even dining outdoors.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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March 22, 2016
Time to Get Your Dog a License

March is dog license season in Massachusetts. Dogs in the Commonwealth are required to have a 2016 dog license by April 1st.

When we met this adorable Boston newcomer "Guinness" recently, he already had his license.

How to Apply

I put a reminder on my calendar and usually apply for a Boston dog license online. You can also download an application to mail at that page.

If your dog, like my Poppy, is already registered, enter the current license number and all your information should be filled in by the system. Next, you upload photos of a spay certificate and current rabies record. Then, you enter your credit card information and complete the transaction.

If you prefer the snail mail option, you should receive a package in the mail if your dog is currently licensed. If not, and you want to get a license in person, visit the Animal Care and Control Department at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue. Bring a current rabies certificate and a spay/neuter certificate if you have one. A prepared check or money order will save time.

You can also get your license at the City Hall To Go truck at one of its scheduled spots around town. Just bring the same documents and a check with you.

Low-Cost Clinics

The city has a series of Dog Licensing & Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinics each year. Here's a link to a copy of this year's events. It was in the right-hand sidebar at the time of this writing.

Should Dogs or People Be Licensed?

Over the years, the group of dog lovers that walks with us has often discussed an option of having people licensed as legal caretakers of animals rather than attaching the license to the dog. Then the responsible caregivers could register the animals they have under that license and receive tags for each.

The legislature has a task force looking at a possible statewide Animal Abuse Registry. But, beyond outright abuse, a caregiver’s registry might deny licenses to those who are constant scofflaws or who have a history of dangerous dog offenses.

Of course some enforcement of the current rules and regulations for picking up after your dog and keeping dogs on a leash would have to be a part of any program like this.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

March 20, 2016
Time to Get Your Dog a License

March is dog license season in Massachusetts. Dogs in the Commonwealth are required to have a 2016 dog license by April 1st.

When we met this adorable Boston newcomer "Guinness" recently, he already had his license.

How to Apply

I put a reminder on my calendar and usually apply for a Boston dog license online. You can also download an application to mail at that page.

If your dog, like my Poppy, is already registered, enter the current license number and all your information should be filled in by the system. Next, you upload photos of a spay certificate and current rabies record. Then, you enter your credit card information and complete the transaction.

If you prefer the snail mail option, you should receive a package in the mail if your dog is currently licensed. If not, and you want to get a license in person, visit the Animal Care and Control Department at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue. Bring a current rabies certificate and a spay/neuter certificate if you have one. A prepared check or money order will save time.

You can also get your license at the City Hall To Go truck at one of its scheduled spots around town. Just bring the same documents and a check with you.

Low-Cost Clinics

The city has a series of Dog Licensing & Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinics each year. Here's a link to a copy of this year's events. It was in the right-hand sidebar at the time of this writing.

Should Dogs or People Be Licensed?

Over the years, the group of dog lovers that walks with us has often discussed an option of having people licensed as legal caretakers of animals rather than attaching the license to the dog. Then the responsible caregivers could register the animals they have under that license and receive tags for each.

The legislature has a task force looking at a possible statewide Animal Abuse Registry. But, beyond outright abuse, a caregiver’s registry might deny licenses to those who are constant scofflaws or who have a history of dangerous dog offenses.

Of course some enforcement of the current rules and regulations for picking up after your dog and keeping dogs on a leash would have to be a part of any program like this.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

March 20, 2016
Where to Dine in Boston on Easter, March 27, 2016

Those in the know already have reservations for Easter brunch and dinner. This is one of the big days for dining out, and popular restaurants will fill their tables for Sunday, March 27, 2016, quickly.

First up, the list of places that organize information about Easter reservations and special offerings:

Open Table seems to have the most complete information, and you can click right through to make reservations. They also give you some idea of prices and special menus. And you'll find a few places that are offering their regular menus as well.

Boston Chefs has a list of offerings from their member chefs and restaurants.

Gayot lists favorite Easter brunches at places like Henrietta's Table in Cambridge.

Next, places we picked from these lists (we'll add more as we learn about particular offerings):

Erbaluce invites you to join them for an Easter Feast.

Bistro du Midi says, "For brunch we are only serving a three course prix fixe menu with 5 options per course for $55 pp. For dinner, join us for our a la carte menu and early spring specials." We say, you can plan a walk through the Public Garden after your meal.

Craigie on Main is offering both an Easter Prix Fixe menu and special additions to their regular menu for Passover.

To meet up with family who don't want to come into the city, consider AKA Bistro in Lincoln. We're happy to see that they're offering their regular brunch menu in addition to some Easter specials. The nearby deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is the perfect place to walk off your brunch and take Easter photos.

Another good suburban/urban meeting place is La Morra in Brookline. They are serving a $38 prix fixe menu.

Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when some people would try to book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can cause the restaurant to turn away other potential customers and makes the venues require a deposit to hold a place.

One thing we would look for, if we were dining out on a holiday, is a place that is offering its regular menu for the day. That's always a plus for us. We're not fans of special menus.

If you know of places where the regular menu will be served, let us know. If it's a place we can recommend, we'll add it to our list. And we'll add updates and links to this post as we find them. Check back here or follow us on Twitter to learn about updates!

Opting Out of Easter

If this holiday stuff is really not part of your life, this is a great day to go ethnic. Chinatown will be wide open and filled with great menu options. Your neighborhood Indian, Korean, Chinese, or Persian restaurant will be happy to feed you. And most BBQ and Pizza places do not have Easter menus.

Sign-up for the comment feed or follow us on Twitter for a notice if we add updates to this page.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: from iStockphoto.com

March 18, 2016
Update on the Esplanade Parcourse

A few years ago we told you about the Shiny New Parcourse on the Esplanade. Recently, we were out shooting photos for an assignment and as we passed the parcourse, we decided to take a look at how it's doing seven years later.

We're happy to report the equipment seems to be in good shape and getting use by a wide range of fitness buffs.

After watching a series of younger people using the facility, we were happy to see two older women arrive, choose an open space, and hang up a jacket like they were regulars.

They proceeded with a routine of stretching and flexing that would certainly improve their physical well-being.

This parcourse is located on the Esplanade Boston side between the BU and Mass Ave Bridges, near the Sherborn Street pedestrian crossover. This map will put you near the spot. (map)

You can't beat the view you'll have if you enjoy a workout here. It's one of the best Boston skyline vistas.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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March 17, 2016
Update on the Esplanade Parcourse

A few years ago we told you about the Shiny New Parcourse on the Esplanade. Recently, we were out shooting photos for an assignment and as we passed the parcourse, we decided to take a look at how it's doing seven years later.

We're happy to report the equipment seems to be in good shape and getting use by a wide range of fitness buffs.

After watching a series of younger people using the facility, we were happy to see two older women arrive, choose an open space, and hang up a jacket like they were regulars.

They proceeded with a routine of stretching and flexing that would certainly improve their physical well-being.

This parcourse is located on the Esplanade Boston side between the BU and Mass Ave Bridges, near the Sherborn Street pedestrian crossover. This map will put you near the spot. (map)

You can't beat the view you'll have if you enjoy a workout here. It's one of the best Boston skyline vistas.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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