Rediscovering the Charm of Sailor Jacks: A Nostalgic Treat from the Oregon Coast
In the late 1980s, during a visit to a quaint bakery nestled along the Oregon coast, I encountered a delightful pastry that would become a cherished memory: the Sailor Jack muffin. These spiced, cocoa-infused muffins, reminiscent of gingerbread or spice cake, were topped with a simple vanilla icing, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.
🧁 Ingredients
Muffins:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1¼ cups packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
½ cup molasses
⅔ cup buttermilk
1 cup hot water
1 cup raisins
Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons water
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tins: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line two 12-cup muffin tins.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and spices until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then, add the molasses and buttermilk, blending until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Incorporate Hot Water and Raisins: Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in the raisins.
Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup slightly over halfway.
Bake: Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 20–24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Prepare Icing: While the muffins are baking, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water in a small bowl until smooth and of drizzling consistency. Adjust the water as needed.
Ice the Muffins: Once the muffins have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the tops. Alternatively, you can dip the tops of the warm muffins directly into the icing.
Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool completely before serving. Enjoy with a warm beverage for a nostalgic treat.
These Sailor Jack muffins, with their rich spices and comforting flavor, offer a taste of coastal nostalgia. Whether you’re revisiting a beloved recipe or discovering it anew, they provide a delightful culinary experience.