15 years ago today, my father passed away.

I can honestly say, not a day goes by where I do not think of my him.  To me, he was a great man.  He was reserved and quiet – and oh, so British!  And although he was very well educated, read and travelled, there were many things in life he preferred to keep simple.

Food was one of those things.

He had neither a voracious nor a meek appetite.  Food was enjoyed in moderation.  Flavours were kept honest, simple and uncomplicated.

Every day he reminds me life is precious and that time is not to be wasted.  Quite a fitting reminder, as I recognise the importance of family time during ‘Breakfast’ month.

So for my (belated!) kick off to the month, my first offering celebrates my father’s food philosophy, and I start with the humble English Muffin.  With homemade marmalade and jam on the side, and a nod to England at the centre, I think he would approve.

{ Wholemeal English Muffins }

* Ingredients *
450g bread flour
150g wholemeal flour
5g salt
375g whole milk, lukewarm
7g dried yeast
5g sugar
15g olive oil
Semolina, for dusting

* Directions *
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attached, place the milk, yeast and sugar.  Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the yeast begins to foam.  Stir in the remaining milk and olive oil, flours and salt.  Mix together for 5-7 minutes until the dough comes away from the side, and becomes smooth and elastic.  Transfer the dough to a clean oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.  Turn out the dough and knock back.  Roll out the dough so it is approximately 2-3cm thick.  Using a 7-8cm cutter, cut out 12 rounds.  Grease a baking sheet and dust with semolina.  Place the dough rounds onto the baking sheet, cover and let rise for about 30-45 minutes.  Warm a heavy based fry pan over a medium heat.  Carefully transfer the muffins in batches to the pan.  Cook slowly for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until golden brown.  Transfer to a rack to cool.  Once cool, carefully cut the muffin around the outer edge only, and pull apart.

Makes 12 muffins

:: Yeastspotting ::

I am submitting these Wholemeal English Muffins to Yeastspotting.