Gary Rhodes Homemade Crumpets Recipes

GARY RHODES - HOMEMADE CRUMPETS

Steps:

• Sift together the flour and salt.
• Mix the yeast with a few tablespoons of the warm water.
• Whisk three-quarters of the remaining warm water into the flour and then add the yeasty liquid.
• Cover and leave in a warm place until the mixture has risen.
• Once risen, check the consistency.
• If the batter is very thick, loosen with the remaining water.
• The batter should now be left to stand for 8-10 minutes.
• Warm a non-stick frying pan on a low heat.
• Butter some crumpet rings or small tartlet rings.
• Place the rings into the frying pan and pour in some of the batter until half-full (1/4 to 1/2 inches deep).
• Cook on a low heat until small holes appear and the top has started to dry.
• The bottom of the crumpet will now be golden and it can be turned over and cooked for another minute.
• The crumpets are now ready for lots of melting butter!
• Note: The crumpets can be cooked without turning - simply cook until the tops are completely dry.
• The finely grated zest of 1 lemon can also be added to the batter to give a lemon bite.

HOMEMADE CRUMPETS WITH BURNT HONEY BUTTER

Steps:

• Gently heat the milk in a small pan until it starts to bubble around the edges, then leave it to cool until it is tepid. Put the flour, yeast, sugar and ½ tsp fine salt in a large bowl, and gradually mix in the cooled milk to make a smooth, loose batter. Cover and leave to rise in a warm place for 1hr-1hr 30 mins or until doubled in size and very bubbly.
• Meanwhile, make the honey butter. Heat the honey in a small saucepan over a medium-high heat. Let it bubble until it turns to a deep gold, then remove and cool slightly. Using electric beaters or a wooden spoon, beat the butter in a large bowl until fluffy and pale, add a large pinch of sea salt, then fold in the warm honey. Scrape into a serving bowl and chill. Can be made a day ahead.
• When the batter has risen, heat the grill to high. Lightly grease the insides of 4 x 9cm metal cooks' rings with oil. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a low-medium heat, add 1 tbsp oil and put the rings in the pan. Spoon the batter into the rings until they are half full. Let the crumpets cook slowly for about 10 mins or until the mixture has set and the bubbles on top have all popped. Lift the rings away carefully. If your pan has a heatproof handle, grill the crumpets in the pan for 7-10 mins or until the tops are golden brown. If not, transfer to a baking sheet and grill them on that instead. Can be made up to a day ahead or frozen. Warm through in an oven at 140C/120C fan/gas 1 if you've made them in advance. Repeat with the remaining mix, then serve with the burnt honey butter.