It is easy to make your own English muffins, preparing the dough in the bread machine. Make up a batch and then freeze extras for another day. When pre-sliced before freezing, it is easy to thaw and heat in one step in the toaster. Use half whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrition.
HOMEMADE ENGLISH MUFFINS
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1-1/2 cups bread flour
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1-1/2 teaspoons bread machine/rapid yeast
Cornmeal
1. Combine milk, honey, butter and salt in microwave-safe measure. MICROWAVE (100%) 45 to 60 seconds or until warm. Transfer to bread machine container. Add egg, flours and yeast. Place container in machine.
2. Set on Dough Cycle.
3. When cycle is completed, turn dough onto lightly floured surface; toss lightly and form into ball. Divide ball into 8 equal-sized pieces. Flatten each to a 3.5 to 4-inch disk. Place teflon baking sheet on a cookie sheet; sprinkle lightly with cornmeal. Place disks on cookie sheet, turning to lightly coat both sides with cornmeal. Cover lightly. Allow to rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat griddle to 275 degrees. Carefully transfer each round to griddle, using spatulas to easily lift from baking sheet. Cook about 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned on both sides. Place the muffins back on a baking sheet or rack that fits in oven.
5. Bake with convection or regular heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack; cool completely. Store in tightly covered bag or container.
6. To serve, split muffins and toast in toaster until lightly toasted. Serve with favorite jam or butter.
Makes 8 Large Muffins
TIPS >If you do not have a bread machine, mix in half of the flour. Beat well with mixer for about 3 minutes. Then, stir in remaining flour and knead on lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in covered bowl and let rise in warm place until doubled.
>Use an empty plastic bag that contained bread as a covering for bread dough. Split open the bag so it lies flat. This plastic is coated so bread doughs seldom stick to it.
>All white flour can be used.
>For smaller muffins, divide dough into 10 pieces. Cooking time will be about the same.
>When using convection oven, all the muffins may not fit on the baking sheet or rack. The extra muffins can be stacked on the first layer or baked on turntable tray.