How to Bake English Muffins

The English muffin was originally a favorite of servants in Victorian England. Eventually, the upper class learned of the English muffin and discovered its tasty goodness. The food continued to grow in popularity, ultimately becoming a widely enjoyed baked good for people of all economic statuses. In the height of popularity, people would sell muffins from street carts in urban English areas much like vendors sell hot dogs in American cities today. The term Muffin Man refers to the street-corner English muffin sellers. This term eventually became part of a nursery rhyme, forever cementing the popularity of the English muffin.

Things You'll Need

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. dry yeast
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (approximately 115 degrees)
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 3 bowls
• Rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Wooden spoon
• Round cookie cutter or drinking glass
• Stand mixer (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine warm water, yeast and sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture rest until foam begins to form. This process will take about 10 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, mix salt and two cups of flour until the two are well blended. Add in the yeast mixture, melted butter, milk and egg. Using a stand mixer or wooden spoon, combine the ingredients into they are fully mixed. Add in the remaining cup of flour 1/2 cup at a time. The dough should be soft and should easily pull away from the sides of the bowl once you finish.

3. Knead the dough by squishing it between your hands and onto the counter. There is no exact science to kneading, just play with the dough much like you played with clay as a child. This process incorporates air to the mixture and ensures fluffy and delicious muffins. Spend three to five minutes kneading.

4. Place the dough in a greased glass bowl, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 90 minutes. During this time, the dough should fluff up and double in size.

5. Take the dough out of the bowl, and place it on a floured work surface. Rub some flour on the top of the dough. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out until it is 1/2 inch thick. Create a shape as close to a rectangle as possible.

6. Use the rim of a drinking class or a round cookie cutter to cut circles out of your rectangle of dough.

7. Place your circles of dough into a skillet over medium heat. Allow the dough to cook five to 10 minutes on one side. Before flipping, the underside of the muffin should be quite dark.

8. Flip the muffin, and allow it to cook for five to 10 minutes on the uncooked side.

9. Enjoy the muffins once they are medium brown on both sides.

References

• The Kitchen Project: The History of the English Muffin
• The Fresh Loaf: English Muffins
• Recipe Link: English Muffins