Muffins And Crumpets(Mrs. Beeton's)

* Exported from MasterCook *

MUFFINS AND CRUMPETS (MRS. BEETON'S)

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 24 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 qt Water
2 oz Yeast
1/2 lb Potatoes
1/2 oz Salt

Makes 24 Muffins or Crumpets

flour

MUFFINS: Wash, peel and boil the potatoes, rub through
a colander, add the water (just warm enough to bear
the hand in it without discomfort); then dissolve the
yeast and salt in it, and stir in sufficient flour to
make a moist paste. Beat it well in a deep bowl and
then clear off the paste from the hands; cover over
with a clean cloth and leave it to rise in a warm
place. When it has well risen, and is light and
spongy, turn it out on the table, dredge over with
flour, and then divide it off into pieces about 3 oz
in weight, roll them up into round shapes, and set
them on a wooden tray, well dusted with flour to
prove. When light enough, see that the hot plate is
hot, and then carefully transfer the muffins from the
tray, one at a time, using a thin tin slice for the
purpose, taking particular care not to knock out the
proof or the muffins will be spoilt. When they have
been properly cooked on one side, turn over with the
slice and cook the other side. When the muffins are
done, brush off the flour, and lay them on a clean
cloth or sieve to cool.

To toast them, divide the edge of the muffin all round
by pulling it open to the depth of about 1 inch with
the fingers. Put it on a toasting fork and hold it
before a clear fire till one side is nicely browned,
but not burnt; turn, and toast it on the other. Do not
toast them too quickly, otherwise the middle of the
muffin will not be warmed through. When done, divide
them by pulling them open; butter them slighlty on
both sides, put them together again, and cut them into
halves. Pile on a hot dish and send quickly to table.

Time: 25 to 30 minutes to bake. Sufficient for about 2
dozen muffins.

CRUMPETS: Proceed exactly the same as directed for
Muffins (above), but stir in only half the quantity of
flour used for them, so that the mixture is more of a
batter than a sponge. Cover over, and leave for 1/2 an
hour. At the end of that time take a large wooden
spoon and well beat up the batter, leave in the spoon,
cover over, and leave for another 1/2 an hour. Then
give the batter another good beat up. This process
must be repeated 3 times with the intervals. When
completed, see that the hot plate is quite hot, lay
out some crumpet rings rubbed over inside with a
little clean lard on a baking tin, and pour in
sufficient of the batter to make the crumpets. When
cooked on one side, turn over with a palette-knife,
and when done take off on to a clean cloth to cool.
Muffins and crumpets should always be served on
separate dishes, and both toasted and served as
quickly as possible.

Time: about 20 minutes to cook. Sufficient for about 2
dozen.

From: Mrs. Beeton's All About Cookery, Ward, Lock &
Co., Ltd., London & Melbourne, (circa 1890's).

Posted by June Hoffman, 8/93



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