An English muffin is a small, round, flat (or thin) type of yeast-leavened bread which is commonly served split horizontally, toasted, and buttered.[1] They are commonly eaten in the United States and the rest of the English-speaking world.
The term "English muffin" is most commonly used in North America to distinguish between this savory bread and the more common sweet cake-like muffin, which are sometimes known as "American muffins".
In North America and Oceania
Muffins are commonly available in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Outside the United Kingdom they are commonly called English muffins.[2] They are most often toasted and then topped with butter and/or jam. They are also used in breakfast sandwiches with meat (bacon, ham, or sausage), egg (fried, scrambled, poached, or steam-poached), and/or cheese. They are the base ingredient in the traditional American brunch dish Eggs Benedict. They can be found in a wide range of varieties, including whole wheat, cinnamon raisin, cranberry, and apple cinnamon.
United Kingdom
Wholemeal English muffins, bought in Abingdon, England.
Most British supermarkets sell variations on the standard bread muffin, notably cheese, wholemeal, and fruited. Muffins are also available in traditional British tea rooms, served with breakfast or low/afternoon tea, although tea cakes are more commonly found in such places. [citation needed] American-style muffins are sometimes sold as muffins as well.
See also
References
Further reading
- English Bread and Yeast Cookery by Elizabeth David, Penguin Books, 1979, contains a discussion on the origins and use of the English muffin.
English Muffin
English Muffin
