Crumpets

Directions

1. 1
   In a small bowl, dissolve yeast with 1/3 cup of the warm milk.
2. 2
   Set aside until foamy (5-10 minutes).
3. 3
   In a large bowl, add flour.
4. 4
   Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in both the yeast mixture and the remaining warm milk.
5. 5
   Beat for at least 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Cover the bowl and let the batter rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. 7
   In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in the warm water.
8. 8
   Add to the flour mixture, beating it in thoroughly.
9. 9
   Cover bowl and let rise in a warm place for another hour.
10. 10
    Grease a griddle and crumpet rings with melted shortening.
11. 11
    Place the crumpet rings on the griddle and heat the griddle to 275 degrees F or until a drop of water sprinkled on the griddle sizzles.
12. 12
    Pour enough batter into the crumpet rings to fill the rings half full.
13. 13
    Cook the crumpets for about 5 minutes.
14. 14
    Turn over each crumpet when the surface loses its liquid appearance.
15. 15
    Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
16. 16
    Remove the crumpets from the griddle, ease off the rings.
17. 17
    Continue filling rings and cooking until all batter is used.
18. 18
    Serve warm with plenty of butter.
19. 19
    NOTE: To achieve the proper degree of honeycombing, a crumpet batter must be thin enough to let some bubbles rise to the surface during cooking.
20. 20
    If none appear, add a little more liquid to the batter.