BEST ENGLISH MUFFINS RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm water; let stand for 5 minutes. Add milk, butter, salt, egg, whole wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining all-purpose flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a grease bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375°., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll out to 1/2-in. thickness. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut into 4-in. circles. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets., Bake until bottoms are browned, 8-10 minutes. Turn muffins over; bake until second side is browned, about 7 minutes longer. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Store in the refrigerator. To serve, split with a fork and toast.

Steps:

• Night Before:.
• Mix starter, honey and milk in mixing bowl until smooth.
• Add 4 cups flour, mixing in 2 cups at a time.
• Mix only until the flour is thoroughly wet.
• Cover with clean towel and leave at room temperature in a draft free place for 12-16 hours.
• Next Morning:.
• Stir down mixture.
• Sprinkle a scant teaspoon baking soda and 2 teaspoons salt over the surface of the dough and work into dough.
• Flour board with 1 cup flour and knead until dough is medium stiff - adding more flour as needed. The dough should be moist but not sticking to your hands.
• Once enough flour has been added, knead an additional 5 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball.
• Roll dough on floured board to about 1/2 inch thick.
• Cut the dough with a 3-4 inch round cutter -- keeping them uniform in thickness and diameter.
• Place them on wax paper sprinkled with corn meal, taking care that they do not touch.
• Sprinkle corn meal over tops of muffins.
• Allow to rise in warm place, covered, for about an hour or until risen again.
• Preheat a griddle or frying pan with small amount of butter (add a little olive oil to keep from smoking). If using muffin rings, preheat them on the grill.
• Using a low flame or heat setting, bake one side for 4-5 minutes and turn. Place lid over the muffins to help them cook all the way through. Turn only once so be sure the one side is cooked before turning.
• Squish down a bit with spatula and pan bake other side for another 4-5 minutes.
• Look like store bought . . . taste even better!