Crumpets and Scones

In honor of Prince William and Kate's wedding, Jeff and I had crumpets and scones for dinner. Actually, the day before we were having a conversation and I said something about crumpets for tea and we both realized that neither of us was quite sure what a crumpet was. With a little research, I learned that it is similar to an English muffin.

I found a recipe and we were pleasantly surprised with how tasty crumpets are. I think it was the butter you fry them in! They are a mix between English muffins and pancakes I think. I have never had them before but can definitely see myself doubling this recipe and using these for breakfast.

With the scones, I decided on a chocolate chip version (from Joyofbaking) because, let's face it, everything is better with a little chocolate. Although I was very tempted by a recipe with a cinnamon streusel on it. The scones were great because they didn't have to rise at all: so I can easily make them again without much planning/thought beforehand.

Crumpets:
(adapted from allrecipes.com)

Ingredients:
2 1/4 tsp SAF instant yeast
1/4 C warm water
1 tsp sugar
1/3 C warm milk
1 Tbs butter, melted
1 egg
1 C flour
1/2 tsp salt





Directions:
Mix yeast and water. Add sugar and let proof 5 minutes. Mix in milk, butter, and egg. Add flour and salt and mix until smooth. Cover and let rise 45 minutes in a warm place. Fold over and let rise 15 more minutes.

Heat pan on low. Add some butter to the pan (let melt). Spoon batter onto pan (enough to make the size of crumpet you want). Cook on medium low for about 5-7 minutes until the bottom is browned and the top has bubbles and appears dry. Flip and cook another 2 minutes or until the other side is browned. Add more butter to pan as needed.

Serve with butter, jam, nutella, or other suitable topping. Eat warm or save and toast at a later time.

Scone:

Ingredients:
2 C flour
1/4 C sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C butter
1/2 C chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 C milk*
3/4 Tbs vinegar*

*you can substitute 3/4 C of buttermilk for the milk and vinegar

Directions:
Mix the milk and vinegar, let sit 5 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt. Cut in the butter with two knifes or a pastry blender (just as if you were making biscuits). When it looks crumbly, stir in the chocolate chips. Add the vanilla to the milk mixture. Slowly add 2/3 C of the milk to the bowl. Stir just until dough comes together. Add the remaining milk if necessary. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Knead a few times and then flatten out into a 1 1/2 inch thick circle. Cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza). Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush tops with milk.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.