The English Muffin in my opinion is a fancier version of a Biscuit, like a cousin from a richer side of the family that was raised proper and walks with a tiny cane and monocle being all snooty to all the other morning breakfast items, except Orange Juice, NO ONE disrespects Orange Juice. Ive also never understood why we call them English Muffins, they don't resemble any other muffin shape I have ever witnessed in life, though I'm sure it has nothing to do with that and something more to do with where they originated. However this is all just my interpretation of a delicious Bread product that I have enjoyed for many years now so I thought Id give it a go at making some from scratch.
Ingredients: 1 Cup plus 2 Tbls. Warm Water (105-115F)
2 1/4 tsp. (1 Package) Active Dry Yeast
1/2 Cup Milk (room temperature)
2 tsp. Sugar
1 tsp. Salt
3 Tbls. Butter (room temperature)
4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
Cornmeal (for dusting)
In a small bowl, mix together the Yeast
And 2 Tbls. Water, let sit 3-5 minutes in a warm area
In a large bowl, combine the Milk
Water
Sugar
And Salt mixing thoroughly
Stir in the Yeast mixture
Then gradually add in 2 cups Flour
Blend well
Cover the bowl with cloth and let rise in a warm area for 1-1 1/2 hours
Beat in the Butter
And 2 remaining cups of Flour
Pour the Dough onto a smooth surface
Knead until smooth
Place the Dough onto a surface dusted with Cornmeal
And roll out to 1/2 inch thickness
Use a cutter (or glass) to cut the Dough into rounds
Then place them onto a strip of wax paper and let rise until doubled in size
Melt a generous amount of Butter in a large skillet (or griddle)
Place a couple of Dough rounds into the pan
And cook until both sides are golden brown
Serve while warm with various toppings and assorted fruits
All I can say is now that Ive had fresh non store bought English Muffins, Ill never be able to enjoy any other kind. The buttery texture with the soft chew are amazing, they taste nothing like pre-made ones and are light and fluffy on the inside, making them perfect for different butter, jams, and honey.
