Recipe Information

• Servings: 4 people / 10 small muffins
• Total Time: 2 hours (including resting time)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients

Muffins

• 250 g flour
• 160 ml milk
• 1 packet of dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 40 g butter
• A pinch of semolina
• To achieve a black color, add 12 g activated charcoal (available online or at pharmacies)

Poached Eggs

• 4 eggs
• 1 pot of water
• 5 tablespoons white vinegar

Instructions

1. Warm the milk. Once it’s lukewarm, place it in a bowl with the yeast and sugar, letting it rest for 10 minutes to reactivate the yeast.
2. In a food processor or a large bowl, mix together the flour, activated charcoal for color, butter, and salt. Knead for a few minutes.
3. Add the milk, yeast, and sugar mixture to the dry ingredients and knead for another 5 minutes.
4. Cover the dough with a cloth and let rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
5. On a floured surface, use a cookie cutter to cut out small circles or Mickey Mouse shapes from the dough.
6. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a cloth, and allow to rise for another hour.
7. In a non-stick skillet over low heat, cook each muffin for 5 minutes on each side to achieve a crispy texture.

For the Poached Eggs

1. Bring water to a boil with white vinegar.
2. Lower the heat to achieve a gentle simmer.
3. Crack the eggs into separate cups.
4. Gently slide each egg into the simmering water to form a sphere and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Remove the eggs and set aside.

Serving Suggestion

For a true English tradition, serve these muffins with a perfectly poached egg and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce!

Notes

This recipe allows for a variety of customizations! Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the mix for an extra flavor boost.

Tips

Ensure the water is at a gentle simmer when poaching the eggs, as a rolling boil can break the eggs apart.

Nutritional Information

Each muffin with poached egg contains approximately 200 calories, making it a delightful yet light meal option!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of regular flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may affect the texture slightly, making it denser.

2. How can I make these muffins sweeter?

You can increase the amount of sugar or add chocolate chips for a sweet twist!

3. Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough beforehand and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.

4. What can I substitute for eggs in the poaching process?

You can try using silken tofu as an egg alternative, though the texture will be different.

5. What is activated charcoal, and where can I find it?

Activated charcoal is a type of carbon that is processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase surface area available for adsorption. It’s widely available online and at health food stores.