Crumpets

Crumpets, of "tea and crumpets" fame, are pan-fried English Muffin-like tea breads. They are cooked almost completely through from one side in crumpet rings or large cookie cutter rings about 3" in diameter.

1/2 cup warm water (105° - 115°)
2 teaspoons sugar or honey
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups milk

In a large bowl, stir the sugar or honey into the warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit until it bubbles, about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and let it sit for about half an hour in a warm place.

Grease a griddle or frying pan and the crumpet rings or cookie cutters. Place the rings on the cooking surface and preheat all. Pour about 3 tablespoons of batter into each 3" ring and cook over medium low heat until set, about 10 minutes. (Avoid cooking them too quickly.) The top should be full of holes when they are done. Remove the crumpets from the rings and brown the other side, if desired, for a minute or so. Repeat until all the batter is used. Serve warm with butter and jam or clotted cream and jam. Makes 16 crumpets.