Bread Machine English Muffins

Bread Machine English Muffins Recipe | Authentic English Delight

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Bread Machine English Muffins are a delightful twist on the traditional English muffin, offering a homemade touch to your breakfast or brunch table. This recipe simplifies the process by utilizing a bread machine for the dough preparation, ensuring a perfect rise and texture every time. These muffins are not only delicious but also versatile, serving as the perfect base for a variety of toppings from sweet jams to savory eggs and bacon.

History

The English muffin dates back to the 10th or 11th century in Wales. Originally, they were cooked in a skillet or griddle, much like pancakes. The use of yeast to leaven bread became popular in Europe in the 17th century, which likely influenced the development of the modern English muffin. This recipe brings the traditional English muffin into the 21st century by employing a bread machine, combining convenience with tradition.

Ingredients

1 cup of water
3 tbsp of butter
1 egg
0.5 tsp of salt
2 tsp of sugar
3.25 cups of all-purpose flour (or more)
1.5 tsp of dry yeast
corn meal (not corn starch)

How to prepare

Put the ingredients in the machine in the order listed.
Start the dough cycle.
When the cycle is finished, the dough should be soft but not sticky.
Sprinkle cornmeal over your work area.
Use your hands to pat the dough into a 0.5 inch thick rectangle.
Turn the dough so that each side gets lightly coated with cornmeal.
Cut the dough into 8 rounds using a large scone cutter or a large can.
If you run out of dough, gather up the trimmings and cut more rounds.
Place the rounds on a baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for 20-30 minutes, until they are not quite double in size.
Heat a dry cast iron skillet or griddle over a low flame (you can use some non-stick spray).
Cook the muffins for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side.
They should be golden brown when you turn them.
Split the muffins with a fork or serrated knife and serve them warm.

Variations

For a whole grain version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also add dried fruits or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor. For those who enjoy a hint of sweetness, incorporating a tablespoon of cinnamon and a quarter cup of raisins will transform these into cinnamon-raisin English muffins.

Notes

Instead of using cutter divide it into eight equal pieces and pat each piece into a 0.5" thick round. Then, turn each round in dish of corn meal.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps the yeast activate more effectively. When adding ingredients to the bread machine, always add the liquids first to prevent the flour from clumping. After the dough cycle is complete, if the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. For evenly sized muffins, use a digital scale to weigh the dough before shaping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these English muffins toasted with a spread of butter and a drizzle of honey for a simple yet delicious breakfast. They also make an excellent base for eggs Benedict or can be used to create a hearty breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meat.

Cooking Techniques

Using a bread machine for the dough saves time and ensures consistency, but the final cooking is done on a skillet or griddle. For an even cook and the signature nooks and crannies, press down gently on the muffins with a spatula while they cook.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free milk alternative in place of the water for added richness. If you're avoiding eggs, a flaxseed egg can be a suitable vegan alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and cooking. Cooked English muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant brunch presentation, serve these English muffins as part of a DIY breakfast sandwich bar, with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables for guests to customize their sandwiches.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these English muffins with a light fruit salad and a mimosa for a refreshing brunch. For a heartier meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and a cup of strong coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover English muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, toast them in a toaster or oven until warmed through and slightly crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single Bread Machine English Muffin contains approximately 220 calories. This makes it a suitable option for a satisfying breakfast or snack that can easily fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these Bread Machine English Muffins contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is the all-purpose flour, which also provides a modest amount of dietary fiber.

Fats

These English muffins contain about 5 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the butter. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium content better, and for a lower fat option, you can substitute the butter with a light buttery spread.

Proteins

Each muffin offers around 6 grams of protein, primarily from the all-purpose flour and the egg. The protein content contributes to the feeling of satiety and is essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

These muffins provide a range of B vitamins, particularly from the yeast and flour, which are essential for energy metabolism. They also contain minerals such as selenium, phosphorus, and iron, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten (from wheat flour), dairy (from butter), and eggs. Those with sensitivities or allergies to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Bread Machine English Muffins offer a balanced nutritional profile, with a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. They can be a healthy part of any diet when consumed in moderation and paired with nutritious toppings.

Summary

Bread Machine English Muffins are a versatile and delightful addition to any meal, offering the perfect blend of convenience and homemade charm. With a variety of serving suggestions and the ability to customize the recipe to fit dietary needs, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear in my heart. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the worn pages, a yellowed recipe card fell out onto my lap. It was for Bread Machine English Muffins.

I had never heard of making English muffins in a bread machine before, but the idea intrigued me. I decided to give it a try, and oh, how glad I am that I did! The result was a batch of delicious, fluffy muffins that were perfect for toasting and slathering with butter and jam.

As I read through the recipe, I couldn't help but think about all the different places and people who had contributed to my culinary knowledge over the years. From my own mother, who taught me the basics of cooking, to the neighbors who shared their favorite recipes with me, to the cookbooks that I had collected over the years, each one had played a part in shaping my skills in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I made the Bread Machine English Muffins. The house was filled with the warm, comforting aroma of baking bread, and I couldn't wait to taste the results. As I popped the first muffin out of the toaster and spread it with butter, I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to make it my own. I have added a touch of honey for sweetness, and a sprinkling of cornmeal for that classic English muffin texture. I have also experimented with different toppings, from cinnamon sugar to grated cheese, to create new and exciting flavor combinations.

But no matter how I choose to personalize the recipe, the basic ingredients remain the same. Flour, yeast, salt, butter, and milk come together in perfect harmony to create a dough that is soft and pliable, yet sturdy enough to hold its shape as it bakes. And thanks to the bread machine, the hard work of kneading and rising is taken care of for me, leaving me free to enjoy the process of baking without the stress of constant supervision.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the comforting scents of baking bread and memories of recipes past, I am filled with gratitude for all that I have learned over the years. From the simple joy of kneading dough to the satisfaction of watching a loaf rise in the oven, cooking has always been a source of comfort and creativity for me.

And so, as I continue to bake and create in my kitchen, I will always be grateful for the discovery of that old recipe card for Bread Machine English Muffins. It is a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that cooking can bring, and a testament to the power of sharing recipes and knowledge with others.

So here's to the simple pleasure of a warm, toasty English muffin, fresh from the bread machine and ready to be enjoyed. May it bring you as much happiness and fulfillment as it has brought me over the years. Happy baking, my friends.