Homemade Crumpets

Step 1: Put the flour, water, and salt in a bowl. Whisk for 2 minutes by hand, or use an electric beater for 1 minute on speed 5.

Step 2: Dissolve the yeast in 1 tbsp warm water in a small bowl.

Step 3: Add the yeast mixture, sugar, and baking powder to the flour mixture. Whisk for 30 seconds by hand, or for 15 seconds on speed 5 with an electric beater.

Step 4: Cover the bowl with cling wrap or a plate and leave it in a very warm place for 15 to 30 minutes, until the surface is foamy. The batter will increase in volume by only about 10–15%.

Step 5: Grease 2 or 3 rings with butter. Rings about 9 cm (3.5 inches) wide work; other rings or metal shapers can also be used. Brush melted butter onto nonstick rings and smear butter onto other types.

Step 6: Lightly brush a nonstick skillet with melted butter, then place the rings in the skillet.

Step 7: Set the stove to medium-high heat, or medium if your stove runs strong, and heat the skillet.

Tip: Test the heat with a dab of batter on the end of a butter knife pressed against the skillet: it should sizzle gently. If the pan is smoking, it is too hot.

Step 8: Pour 1/4 cup (65 ml) of batter into each ring, about 1 cm (2/5 inch) deep. The batter will rise by about 60%.

Step 9: Cook for 1 1/2 minutes, until bubbles start appearing on the surface but have not begun popping.

Step 10: Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 1 minute, until some bubbles pop around the edges.

Step 11: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for a further 2 1/2 to 4 minutes, until the surface is set and no more bubbles are popping. If needed, help the last bubbles pop with a skewer.

Tip: Adjust the heat so the crumpets cook through without burning on the bottom.

Step 12: Remove the rings. If a crumpet sticks, run a knife around the edge to loosen it.

Step 13: Flip the crumpets and cook the other side for 20 to 30 seconds, until lightly colored.

Step 14: Transfer the crumpets to a wire rack, golden side down, and let them cool completely.

Step 15: The crumpets can be eaten once cool, but they are even better the next day.

Step 16: Toast the crumpets in a toaster until the base is crispy.

Step 17: Spread generously with butter, then add a spread of your choice, such as honey. Serve immediately.