The other day I awoke with one burning question in my mind: what is a crumpet? I know it’s a strange question, and I’ve no idea where it came from, but nonetheless I was consumed with the desire to know what exactly a crumpet was, and more importantly, what it tastes like.
I knew it was English. I knew it was something bread-y. I knew it was served with tea. I knew that it was impossible to say the word “crumpet” without adopting a fake English accent. Some words have that effect on me, like “badminton” and “Harry Potter”.
I wondered if, on the other side of the Atlantic, anyone is ever consumed with the question, “What is a tortilla?” Answer: a corn flatbread, tender and soft, hot off the comal, slathered with refried beans and cheese, ahh… I miss Mexico!
At any rate, I couldn’t get crumpets off the brain. I consulted every cookbook in the house. No luck. I asked my little sister. “It’s a crumpled trumpet.” She’s 15, so she says things like that sometimes. I asked my mother, who told me it was like a teacake. Well what is a teacake? I’m Alaskan, remember? I don’t know these things.
Finally I asked Martha. Martha knows everything, including how to make delicious crumpets. So I gathered all the necessary accoutrements, and got to work.
You cook them on a griddle like pancakes, but they taste nothing like pancakes.
Luckily it didn’t overflow.
Browning the other side. Aren’t they pretty?
The finished product, and various toppings.
Triple berry jam, lemon curd, marmalade, and honey butter.
My very first crumpet! It’s in between an English muffin and an Australian muffin, at least the American versions of English and Australian muffins. It was also my first time trying lemon curd, and OMG, lemon curd! Where have you been all my life?! I will definitely be making these again. As you can see from the photo, I’m very happy to have solved the crumpet mystery. If you’d like to join in the crumpetition, you can find the recipe here.
Tags: crumpets
That didn't sound cheesy, I'm so glad you liked that post :) mmm, those crumpets look sooo good! Anna’s last blog post..sales and stuff
Hummmm they look really good! I started making scones and the best part is that I think they taste really really tasty because I've never eaten it before =P Maria’s last blog post..Sunday, 22nd February
oh wow, that head scarf is so funky ;) And the crumpets are looking all so delicious, great now I want one and I already had two this morning for my breakfast haha... I'm just about to flip some pancakes too ('tis pancake day over here, I never eat them any other time. Is this bizarre?). Well anyways happy Tuesday - or have you already had Tuesday, damn time difference now I'm baffled haha!! Peace and Crumpets! PrettyneOnsX Prettyneons’s last blog post..Yumi Frocks Sweet Tooth Prices.
Haha, Andrea, this was such an amusing read. You made me laugh several times through this little text... you write really well! I also sometimes wake up with burning questions like that, but I usually forget about it during the day, so I really admire you for investigating into what a crumpet is. I had no idea myself. I had heard the word, but I had no idea it was even food. Nevertheless, crumpets do look very tasty! Do you have to cook them inside those cirkled things (are those griddles?)? Ariella’s last blog post..Ask me...
your crumpets look great! btw congratulations i just gave you an award ;)
Lemon curd is good! You know, for all the odd things I HAVE eaten from going to various strange places in this world, I have not had a crumpet either... The Clothes Horse’s last blog post..You Asked For It
Well good job. I laughed out loud when I read the comment made by Lara!
O well done! I also use the word "crumpet" as a terms of endearment. My favourite crumpet topping is butter and jam. Nothing beats it. ondressingup’s last blog post..brief travel interlude
thanks, I didn't knew what crumpet was either :) and sure they look tasty! ps: I adore your eyes!!! xx Raquel’s last blog post..home
hahah! how cute! i usually have crumpets for breakfast, but after reading this post, i feel like eating them right now! honey and butter...... *drool* surimay’s last blog post..Enchanting
Hello! I found your blog really interesting :D I'll post your link in my blog ^^ I must try that cakes!
These are not crumpets. You have made muffins. Crumpets are like extra thick pancakes. http://images.google.co.uk/images?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rlz=1R1GGGL_en-GB&q=crumpets&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=XxNPS4HkEYL-0gSFsqizCg&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBoQsAQwAA
I'm going to have to disagree with you Drliamski. I think I would describe these as thick crumpets. Looking at the link you provided, they don't appear to differ much from those pictured.
Bottom line, if they are made from a recipe for crumpets, they're crumpets (and if I made them, I guarantee they wouldn't look as good as hers).
As to Aussie Guy: You lost me. I don't see any references to "Aussie crumpets" anywhere here. Maybe "Martha Stewart crumpets", but not Aussie.
ermm.. aussie crumpets? no cheese doesn't go with crumpets.. neither does ur article.. although it goes with english muffins.. which tend to be a lilttle more clever than "american" ones.. and hunni despite the crumptitius pose, those "crumpets" look like nutrition cakes from Somalia.. i just ate 3 crumpets out of a packet.. i have never made a crumpet in my life.. :D luv u byeee... P.S can you please send me a picture of an australian crumpet bar the connotation.. k thx!