I. Made. English. Muffins. Yes, each word needs to be stressed on this one. It took three tries, and they still have not reached their full potential, but I did it. Ahhh. Since I decided to do each of The Great British Baking Show challenges, I was bound and determined to successfully complete this English Muffin recipe. While I am a ways off still, I am very much on, and excited to continue experimenting. Good thing I have willing taste-testers here...
The final result is absolutely gorgeous - and delicious - and the guys are asking for them, which is a great sign. They are wonderful with European butter. Oh, and they are fantastic with egg salad - I use Martha Stewart's suggestions for hard boiling eggs - made with homemade mayonnaise tucked inside (I might share that recipe sometime). Amazing.
This challenge kicked my cooking butt totally, and I'm glad I did it. I learned, as I kept experimenting, where my issues were...worked the dough too much, too long proofing, heat too high, etc. I also dropped a roll of cling wrap on my second batch of dough, and that was interesting, to say the least. The saddest moment, though, may have been when I put the English muffins on to cook, and they totally deflated (the second proof was too long). But, I learned, see? What an experience.
Am I up to the next challenge - Floating Islands with Spun Sugar? I sure hope so... Thanks to my mom for the gifted Anthropologie plate (set, actually), by the way! Music for Cooking - Imogen Heap