Baking Day...

English Muffins

Mondays are typically baking days here at the farmhouse. Yesterday was no exception. I baked four loaves of farmhouse sandwich bread (one went up the hill to Andy and Shelly), six large hamburger buns, and ten English muffins. 

I hadn't made the muffins before, so I did learn a few things this time, including that once mixed they should cold proof in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours. They can be made immediately, but that wasn't the suggested method. So, after I mixed and kneaded the dough, into a covered container to spend three hours in the fridge.

After cold proofing, I cut the dough into equal pieces and formed them into balls. They were rolled in semolina and then placed on a baking sheet lined with parchment and more semolina to rise. Handsome was at band rehearsal and the muffins were ready to finish just as he walked in the door.

He usually likes to have a light meal after rehearsal, so I took out my flat cast iron pan and put three muffins on the hot pan at a time. Directions said to fry one side for 3-5 minutes, then turn it over, press into the English muffin shape and fry the second side. (I may have slightly overdone the last two).

I placed them on my cooling rack, and made Handsome's breakfast-for-dinner. As I was finishing his ham and eggs, he took a muffin out of the toaster. He declared them a roaring success, so I guess I'll be making them again in the future. 

I work today, so I'll be leaving soon. Tomorrow, I'll tell you about the constant commotion inundating us at the farmhouse - along with all our neighbors who actually have it worse than we do. I think you'll be as peeved as we are.  See you later!