Ameer Kotecha

The charm of crumpets

They're much more than a breakfast food

  • From Spectator Life
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At this time of year, it is pancakes and hot cross buns that are meant to enjoy a moment in the spotlight. I shall not begrudge them that. But my heart really belongs to the crumpet.

They are the epitome of the simple pleasure, and an economical choice in a cost-of-living crisis. There may have been much alarm about reports at the weekend that prices have more than doubled in the past year – but a six-pack of crumpets (sourdough no less) can still be had for 39p at Lidl or 42p at Aldi. It’s 90p if you want to go luxe with Warburtons. Never was so much breakfast cheer available to so many for so little. And it seems I’m not alone in feeling this way – sales of crumpets in the UK are up 10 per cent in the past 12 months.

They need two cycles on the regular setting of the toaster, or they can be popped in the oven for five to ten minutes.

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