Everyone has heard the phrase "Share Tea and Crumpets." It is a British ritual in fact dictionary.com lists it as synonymous with "A Serving of Tea." But have you ever tasted a crumpet?
I had not until I was offered one in Australia. They are delicious slathered with butter and honey or jam.
I am not really into the tea ritual, I take my crumpets with a double espresso, they are great with that too.
A crumpet is kind of a cross between an English Muffin and a Pancake. They have a long history.
"Crumpets were an Anglo-Saxon invention. In early times, they were hard pancakes cooked on a griddle, rather than the soft and spongy crumpets of the Victorian era which were made with yeast. The crumpet-makers of the Midlands and London developed the characteristic holes, by adding extra baking powder to the yeast dough."
When discussing crumpets it is important to know that "crumpet" also is British slang for a woman regarded as physically attractive or it has also been used as a non-sexual term of endearment. But can also be used in the context of "Did you get a bit of crumpet last night?", I can't explain what that refers to here. So be careful.
Crumpets are a great antidote to a big night of tasting wine, takes that hang over right away.
I found delish "British Style Crumpets" at Trader Joe's in Paramus, NJ. They are now a staple in our household.
Girl Alive shares her British Crumpet experience here:
"They smell basically like warm toast. It is the texture that makes crumpets exceptional. The outside is crisp and the inside is chewy, like freshly baked bread sticks, only a little sweeter. They are crisp and chewy, and all the little bubbles on the top fill up with butter or jam." Girl Alive
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
Crumpets are great with cream cheese too, laughing cow spread or brie, camembert etc, crumpets are just wonderful on their own with unsalted butter that drips through the base......Hmmm
Posted by: Dawn | 05/18/2008 at 15:40