English Muffins

Living in Africa presents a few challenges in the food department. Some food items are available in larger towns, such as Arusha, but so far, have not been found here in Moshi. I make a lot of our own bread, since the bread choices are pretty limited here. Yesterday, I tried my hand at making Enlgish Muffins. They turned out great, according to my in-house taste-testers. Here is the recipe:

English Muffins

cornmeal

1 1/4 cups very warm water

2 1/4 tsp. dry yeast

1 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

4 cups sifted flour

1/4 cup butter, softened

Directions: Grease large cookie sheet, and sprinkle with cornmeal. Mix sugar in water, dissolve yeast in sugar-water mixture. When yeast begins to bubble, add salt and 2 cups of flour. Beat until smooth. Add butter and 1 cup of flour, continue beating until smooth. Gradually add remaining cup of flour, and beat until smooth. Turn onto well-floured board, coat dough with flour, and let rest for 5 minutes. Knead dough for 5 minutes (less if using electric mixer with dough hook). Roll out 1/4 inch thick. Cut into muffins with biscuit cutter or large can. Place onto cookie sheet. Let rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, until doubled in size. Bake muffins on ungreased griddle or skillet, on low heat, about 7 minutes on each side.