Crumpet

English crumpets are a small, round, soft yeast bread with a distinctive flat top covered in small holes. They have a resilient, slightly spongy texture and a rather bland flavour which acts as a perfect vehicle for spreads such as butter, jam or honey.

Crumpets are prepared using a batter made from milk, yeast, salt and white strong flour (or a combination of strong flour and plain flour), which is poured into a ring mould and cooked on a griddle until the underneath is cooked to a brown smooth surface. As the crumpet cooks, the top surface becomes covered in open holes. When the crumpet is served, hot and toasty, these holes are ideal for absorbing and holding butter or any other topping that is spread over them.

Crumpets are widely available in supermarkets and other shops; they should always be toasted before serving.