ENGLISH MUFFINS

Steps:

• Sift the flour and salt into a bowl and leave in a warm place.
• Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk.
• Let froth, then mix in the butter.
• Stir all the liquid into the warm flour and beat well until smooth and elastic.
• Cover and proof in a warm place for 50 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
• Turn onto a well-floured board and knead, working a little more flour if necessary to make the dough easier to shape.
• Round up the dough, roll into a thick sausage shape and slice into 8 to 10 portions, each about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch thick.
• Shape each one into a round with straight sides.
• Put onto a greased baking sheet.
• Cover (use greased plastic wrap) and put in a warm place to proof for 30-40 minutes or until springy to the touch.
• Leave room for expansion and be careful not to over-proof, as the muffins will get flabby and lose their shape.
• Warm and grease the bakestone lightly.
• Lift the muffins carefully onto the bakestone and cook over very moderate heat (about 350-degrees) for 8-10 minutes until pale gold underneath.
• Turn and cook the other side.
• Wrap in a cloth and keep warm if cooking in batches.
• To serve, insert a knife in the side, pull the top and bottom slightly apart, and insert slivers of butter.
• Apple butter ain't bad either.
• Enjoy.