English Muffins

English muffins are great. Eat them toasted with butter and jam, make mini pizzas, or use them for breakfast sandwiches.
They are pretty easy to make. If you have never used yeast before, go here  for some tips.

This recipe will make 1-2 dozen English muffins. The amount varies due to the size biscuit cutter you use.
Traditionally, they are made with 4" cutters. That will yield 1 dozen. But, most home toaster slots aren't large enough to accommodate them. So, unless you have a toaster oven, you will need to cut them smaller. I just use a regular size biscuit cutter, which is about 2-1/2 ".

You will need an electric skillet or a few skillets to cook them on the stove.
You will need a rolling pin and a biscuit cutter 2-1/2" to 4 " in diameter.

Ingredients:

5-1/4 to 5-3/4 cups flour
2 packages(4-1/2 teaspoons) dry yeast
2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter, shortening, or oil
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt

cornmeal for coating the muffins

In a large bowl, mix the yeast and 2 cups flour.
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, butter,sugar, and salt to warm.
Add the milk to flour mixture and beat well.
Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Grease the bowl.
Put the dough back into the bowl and turn it over so the top is greased.
Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise for about an hour.
Punch down and let it rest while you get out the cornmeal, rolling pin and  biscuit cutter.
Pour a small amount of cornmeal into a bowl.
Set aside.
Flour your work surface.
Roll the dough out about 1/2 " thick.

Cut out the biscuits.
Coat each side with cornmeal. If the corn meal won't stick, brush the muffins with water.
Lay on pans or counter to rise for about 30 minutes. Cover with towel.

 Get out your electric skillet and preheat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Or put your skillets on the stove and turn heat into low.
Do NOT grease pans!
Add the muffins to your pan. Make sure they are not crowded.
Cook for 25-30 minutes til golden. Turn every five minutes.
Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Enjoy.