Crumpets for Tea with Marionberry Jam, Crumpet Recipe

We had crumpets for afternoon tea today. A few weeks ago I mentioned crumpets on Facebook and got several questions of Whaaa???? I guess Yanks aren't too sure what a crumpet is!  A crumpet is a traditional English bread that has a flat side and a "holey" side and are baked on a griddle. But then, you toast them so they have a bit of a crunchy outer texture. They are served with butter and jam or if you like with clotted cream and jam. The butter is especially nice on a toasted crumpet because it oozes through the holes!

These crumpets are actually store bought from a local sort of specialty grocery store in our area, QFC, that carries some unusual things.

But I do make them myself. You can buy crumpet rings or substitute tuna fish cans.

Here is a recipe I found that is a simpler version to the old family one I have which is a bit complicated. These do turn out well.

Crumpets Recipe

1/2 cup warm water (105° - 115°)
2 teaspoons sugar or honey
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups milk

In a large bowl, stir the sugar or honey into the warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit until it bubbles, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and let it sit for about half an hour in a warm place.
Grease a griddle or frying pan and the crumpet rings or cookie cutters. Place the rings on the cooking surface and preheat all.
Pour about 3 tablespoons of batter into each 3" ring and cook over medium low heat until set, about 10 minutes. (Avoid cooking them too quickly.) The top should be full of holes when they are ready to turn.
Remove the rings from the crumpets, turn, and brown the other side, if desired, for a minute or so. Repeat until all the batter is used.
Serve warm with butter and jam or clotted cream and jam. Makes 16 crumpets.

From: http://www.greatpartyrecipes.com/crumpetrecipe.html

This is part of my Brit husband's lunch...only missing a large wedge of really aged cheddar cheese...a sort of Plowman's lunch.  Toasted crumpets, ripe local farmer tomato, Walla Walla sweet onion & aged cheddar. He's a happy camper!