When is a muffin?
So I get asked all the time what “English muffins” are called in England, to which I reply, “muffins.”
“But”, says the puzzled interlocuter, “What do you call muffins (meaning American sweet muffins)?”
“Those”, I explain, “Are a relatively recent import from the U.S, for us muffins are savoury things that you toast and butter. We don’t call them English muffins, because we’re in England and we know what they are. We would call an American muffin, a chocolate muffin, a blueberry muffin or a low fat, high fibre, cranberry breakfast double-choc muffin, but never just a muffin. “
“?” “But….?”
“If the word muffin is preceded by a flavour then it’s a cake and it will be an American muffin. If it’s just described as a muffin, then it’s a yeasted bread product and not a cake.”
“?”
