Benefits of making crumpets
Making crumpets at home allows you to enjoy them fresh and warm directly from your own kitchen. Store bought versions often lack the light and airy interior that a fresh batch provides when cooked properly. You have full control over the ingredients to ensure there are no unnecessary additives or preservatives in your food. These homemade treats are ideal for slow weekend mornings when you want a comforting and satisfying meal.
How to get crumpets ready
Prepare the batter: Mix both types of flour with the dried yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm milk and sugar then whisk until the mixture is smooth and thick. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave it in a warm place for about forty five minutes until the surface is covered in small bubbles.
Add final ingredients: Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda and salt into the warm water in a small jug. Pour this liquid into the rested batter and whisk it thoroughly to combine everything well. The batter should be slightly thinner now but still hold its shape. Let the mixture rest for another twenty minutes while you prepare the cooking equipment.
Cook the crumpets: Lightly oil a large frying pan and the inside of the metal rings using a little vegetable oil. Place the rings in the pan over a medium heat and pour in enough batter to fill them halfway. Cook for about five minutes until the tops are set and full of small holes.
Finish and serve: Carefully remove the rings using tongs and flip the crumpets over to cook the tops for just one minute. They should be golden brown on the bottom and pale on the top surface. Serve them immediately while they are hot with plenty of butter and your favourite jam or honey.
Tips and tricks for crumpets
Make sure the frying pan is not too hot or the bottoms will burn before the tops have a chance to set properly. If the holes do not appear on the surface, your batter might be a little too thick so try adding a tiny splash of warm water. Grease the metal rings very well before every new batch to ensure the crumpets slide out easily after cooking. You can use a thin palette knife to help release them if they happen to stick slightly to the edges of the rings. If you have leftovers, these crumpets are excellent when toasted the next day to regain their crisp edges. These treats also freeze well if you wrap them tightly in a freezer bag once they have cooled down completely. Always use a medium heat to give the bubbles enough time to form and reach the surface before the base gets too dark.
You can also try
treacle tart,
eton mess or
baked chicken legs.
