Homemade English Muffins

English muffins were one of the challenges on the British Baking Show.  This year I am trying the technical challenges each month.   I did buy some muffin rings so I tried the recipe that came with them first.  If you do not have rings you can make them free form or use tuna cans that have had the tops and bottoms removed.  This recipes makes 8 big muffins. I think you could easily divide it in 12 if you don’t want them so big.

1 pkg. yeast
1/4 c. Warm water
Mix together and let sit for 10 minutes.
Scald:  1 c. Milk
Mix with 1 t. Salt and 2 t. Sugar.  Add this mixture after it has cooled to lukewarm to the yeast mixture.  
Sift 4 c. Flour
Mix 2 c. Of the flour into the milk mixture.  Cover and place in a warm spot for 1 1/2 hours to rise.  Stir in the remaining flour.  The dough will be very sticky.  Add more flour just until the dough is able to be handled.  Knead for several minutes. divide into 8-12 pieces.

Spray sides of rings, if using, and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Place each piece into a ring, or shape into a ball and place on baking sheet.  Bake at 475 degrees for 15 minutes.  Cool slightly and remove rings.