Proper Crumpets
I was told in no uncertain terms today that commercial crumpets are an abomination nor are crumpets "english muffins." Such was the scandalous topic of coffee hour after church today. Being an American, the need to properly educate me on the finite culinary workings of crumpets was what I needed. Here was the recipe I was given by a roly poly English lady, with directions to disseminate the recipe "by whatever means necessary." Here goes: Ingredients: 8 oz flour 8 oz strong white flour 2 tsp salt 1 pint milk and water, mixed 2 tblsp vegetable oil 1 tblsp sugar 1/2 oz fresh yeast 1/2 tsp baking soda 4 fl oz warm water Sift the flours and salt into a large bowl and make a well in the center. In a pan, gently heat together the mixed milk and water, oil, and sugar until warm but not hot. Mix the yeast with a quarter of this liquid. Pour this into the well, followed by the remaining liquid and beat well until smooth and elastic; about 5 minutes. Cover with a tea towel an...