On 2/26/05 10:46 PM, "ellen wickberg" > wrote:

> I don't often read James Beard. Is he your main source?

It's almost humorous to remember this, but about 30 years ago he was the
just about the only source. Beard, and the now infamous Tassajara Bread Book
were "it". Now there's a solid 8 feet of bread books at Borders.

>I read any
> number of authors, depending on what I am looking for. I did just look
> at Elizabeth David's "English Bread and Yeast Cookery" which has a
> chapter on crumpets and muffins. It appears that some people bake on a
> griddle and some in an oven for muffins.

Good book. My suspicion is that the best muffins may be cooked in a large
heavy casserole where the tops and bottoms may be browned as the final rise
is achieved. Covering the pot and letting the muffins finish in the moist
heat completes the process.

So a cross between oven and griddle <g>.