Family Chow Hall

Hearty English Muffins with Honey Butter

April 3rd, 2006

Yesterday my sweetheart purchased a new electric griddle for me. The only trouble with electric griddles (and other small kitchen appliances) is that I have trouble finding a place to store it. For now, it is on my countertop, but I will have to find a home for it soon. The greatest thing about an electric griddle is that it has a drip pan that slides underneath it so that I can fry bacon and have most of the fat run down into the pan. This makes clean-up easier, which always makes me a little bit happier.

To welcome and initiate my new appliance into my kitchen family, I must make something delicious on it. I’m not talking simple grilled cheese or pancakes (which it will probably be cooking most often.) No, something a little more special is called for here, so my new griddle knows how important and valued it will be in my kitchen. After a couple of hours of contemplation, I have decided on English Muffins. My crew will gobble them up happily for breakfast, taking two days (at most) to eat a dozen or more English Muffins.

Whole-Grain English Muffins
makes 12-15 / prep. time: 15 minutes / cook time: 15 minutes

1 c. water
1/4 c. light olive oil
2 c. white flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. oats
3 T. flaxseed
1 t. salt
2 1/4 t. yeast

Haul your bread machine out of its hiding place or use basic bread-making skills to prepare the dough. Bread machine: Use the maker’s directions for order, usually starting with the water and ending with the yeast, although I doubt that it matters much. Old-fashioned: Dissolve the yeast in warm water, then add the dry ingredients slowly. Knead for 5-10 minutes and let rise for about 1 1/2 hours.

After the first rising - be it in your machine or in a greased bowl, flop the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently to get the large air bubbles out. Roll into a flat rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Use a glass or cup to cut circles. Place these onto a cutting board that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Allow to rise again, about an hour or until they are doubled in size.

Finally, heat up that griddle (or frying pan) on medium or about 350 degrees. Spray it with some cooking oil and FRY the muffins for 7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Top with Honey Butter:

Honey Butter
makes 1/2 cup

1/4 c. butter - room temperature
1/4 c. honey

Stir together. Try other combinations, like Maple butter, Pecan Butter, Cinnamon Butter, Hazelnut Butter. Super on muffins, toast, cornbread, or biscuits.

Eat Well to Live Better

Entry Filed under: Bread, Condiments, Recipes, Supper