I never knew how easy it is to make English Muffins for yourself, perhaps even easier (or at least less rising time is called for) than when you are making a loaf of bread. Recently I brought out my sourdough starter, a few hours later, and a after bit of muscle-building kneading, I had a dozen English Muffins. Chewy on the inside, crisp on the outside, tart with sourdough, and with nooks and crannies to put Mr. Thomas to shame, my English Muffins made me feel like a real baker, which we all know I am not.
English muffins are not baked like a loaf of bread, rather they are made on the stovetop, and take a matter of minutes to cook. After the initial, size-doubling rise, the dough is flattened into a square, about one half of an inch high. This dough is then cut, with a circular cookie cutter, or even a large drinking glass, the rings are set on corn meal, and allowed to rise for 15 minutes. After these minutes have passed, preheat a cast iron, or other heavy bottomed skillet for 5 minutes over medium-low heat. Then coat the skillet in a few tablespoons of corn meal, place the still doughy muffins into the pan, and cook away.
The English Muffins should take about 7 minutes per side; they will develop a chewy, bubbly crust, and will no longer be tacky to the touch. What is so amazing about the baking of English Muffins, is that you actually see the baking process, unlike in an oven. You see the muffin puffing up, the webbings of dough forming, the crust actually browning, and unlike baking bread, you can taste the fruits of your labor almost immediately.
And really, what could be bourgier than an English Muffin? They are a like a blank canvas, calling out for which ever decadent toppings you choose. You have the basics, butter, honey, or jam, but what about a poached egg, gorgonzola cheese and slices of fresh, grainy pear, for a late night snack? The possibilities are endless. English Muffins can be made with virtually any kind of bread of dough, sourdough, basic white, or a heartier whole grain. Simply follow the instructions listed above, and you too will be reveling in nooks and crannies in no time.
