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Top Muffins In Philadelphia

English-style muffins have been a staple since they were first created in the 10th century in Wales. At the time, the muffins, which were yeast-raised, were cooked on a griddle. Since around the 18th century though, American muffins, known as quick breads, have filled kitchens with the unmistakable aroma of sweet, fresh-baked bread. In fact, the first American cookbook, "American Cookery," published in 1796, features muffin recipes. As with other foods, Philadelphia excels in muffin-making.

Taffets Bakery
1024 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 551-5511
www.taffets.com

Omer and Natasha Taffet, owners of Taffets Bakery, opened their business after a visit by Omer's mother, who has a sensitivity to gluten. Right then, the couple decided there was a need for a gluten-free bakery and store in the city. A former chef for major restaurants, Omer is a graduate of JNA Culinary Institute. All of the muffins at Taffets are made from scratch at the bakery, and among the most sought-after products are the sourdough boule, baguettes, breads and rolls. A seasonal favorite is Taffets' signature pumpkin muffin.

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Termini Brothers
1523 S. 8th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 334-1816
www.termini.com

In 1921, Guiseppe Termini departed from Sicily to travel to Philadelphia, the recently adopted home of his brother, Gaetano. It wasn't long before the brothers had saved enough money to open a small bakery across the street from the current bakery's current location. Today, the bakery is operated by the third generation, Joseph and Vincent Jr. From biscotti to cookies and sweet confections, Termini also specializes in tea biscuits, among other pastry favorites.

Le Bus Bakery
135 S. 18th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 569-8299
www.lebusbakery.com

Le Bus Bakery has locations in Philadelphia, King of Prussia and at the Philadelphia International Airport. It first did business out of the an old school bus that had been converted into a food truck by owner David Braverman. At the time, the food truck specialized in home-made soups, sandwiches and dessert items. Now known for its mighty muffins, Le Bus continues to sell breads, pastries, sandwiches and more.

Swiss Haus Bakery
35 S. 19th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-0759
www.swisshausbakery.com

Swiss Haus Bakery, located in Rittenhouse Square, is well known for its morning glory muffin. For more than 85 years, the bakery has served perfect baked goods following traditional European recipes. Its motto of "memories you can eat," can be taken literally when it comes to its fine baked goods. In addition to the store, the bakery features a cafe.

Kaplan's New Model Bakery
901 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 627-5288
www.facebook.com/Kaplans-New-Model-Bakery

Located in the Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia, Kaplan's New Model Bakery is famous for its lemon muffins, pumpkin breads and more. A market and specialty bakery business, it is also known as one of the best places to buy sourdough rye bread in the region. Founded by Leonard B. Lipkin more than 60 years ago, Kaplan's is one of only a handful of Jewish bakeries still doing business in the area. In addition to its baked goods, it also features Honey's Sit-n-Eat, which specializes in Jewish-southern comfort food at 4th and Brown streets.

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Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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