Homemade Crumpets & Other Simple, Elevated Weekend Brunch Ideas
HOMEMADE CRUMPET RECIPE
1tsp sugar
200ml whole milk
100ml boiling water
1tbsp dried yeast
150g strong white flour
100g plain flour
1tsp salt
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
20g butter, for cooking
Add the sugar, milk and boiling water to a jug and stir in the yeast. Leave in a warm place for 15 minutes until frothy.
Combine the flours in a large mixing bowl with the salt, making a well in the middle. Add in the liquid and mix vigorously from the centre outwards until smooth. Cover and leave in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours until the batter is full of tiny bubbles.
Mix 50ml warm water with the bicarbonate of soda and stir it into the batter. Cover and leave in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Melt the butter and use it to brush the inside of four metal or silicone rings, approx D10cm. Heat a large frying pan on a medium-low heat and grease the pan (low and slow is important with crumpets). Put the rings onto the pan and ladle a spoonful of batter into each, to about 2-3cm thick.
Cook until the top is dry with holes, then push the crumpets out of the rings (you made need a knife), and cook on the other side for a little longer. If eating immediately, toast the tops under the grill until golden, then serve with butter and jam. Otherwise, store in an airtight container and toast before enjoying.
Other Simple but Elevated Ideas for a Weekend Brunch
- Grapefruit. I know this is not the most exciting suggestion in the world but, if you're like me, this is a fruit I don't buy often but really enjoy when I do. I prefer to properly peel and segment grapefruit so I think this can be off-putting, but with nowhere to rush to on a weekend at the moment, I'm more enjoying the leisurely pace.
- Frozen croissants and pain au chocolats. In case you've not discovered supermarket frozen pastries, they are fantastic! They're my go to when guests stay over as they're easy crowd pleasers. Decanting jam, butter and such alike into little dishes is an easy win too and makes all the difference.
- Laying the table with linens and possibly a few accessories in a simple but joyful way. Our new rattan baskets are great for making breakfast feel more special. I tend to prefer more relaxed and neutral pieces at breakfast for a calm atmosphere - discover our tableware collection here.
