English muffin

English Muffin

The English muffin is a type of yeast-leavened bread originating from the United Kingdom. It is not to be confused with the sweet, cupcake-like muffin which is commonly referred to in the United Kingdom as an "American muffin".

Etymology

The term "muffin" comes from the French word moufflet which is often times applied to bread and means soft.

History

The English muffin, or simply muffin, was popular in the Victorian era in the United Kingdom. It is often served toasted for breakfast. The English muffin's popularity in the United States began in the late 19th century, thanks to an English immigrant named Samuel Bath Thomas.

Preparation

English muffins are typically made from a dough that is rich in eggs and butter, making them denser than a typical bread roll. The dough is shaped into rounds and cooked on a griddle rather than being baked in the oven. This gives the muffin its characteristic flat top and bottom, with a slightly crispy exterior and soft, spongy interior.

Serving

English muffins are often split open, toasted, and buttered. They can be served with a variety of toppings such as jam, honey, or cheese. They are also commonly used as the bread in a variety of sandwiches, and are a key component in the classic Eggs Benedict dish.

Related Terms

• Bread
• Yeast
• Victorian era
• Samuel Bath Thomas
• Eggs Benedict

See Also

• Crumpet
• Bagel
• Biscuit (bread)

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  London Cries: A Muffin Man by Paul Sandby
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  English muffins from Tesco
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  Muffin House
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