Gently heat the buttermilk, water and sugar in a small pan until it is tepid (or the same temperature as your finger).
Sift flour into a large bowl and stir in yeast. Add warm milk mixture and stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 1 hour until the batter has risen and is frothy and bubbly.
Mix together bicarb and warm water. Add to batter and stir to combine.
Spray 3 egg rings and inner pot with oil. Press SAUTÉ/SEAR HIGH TEMP button, set cooking time for 30 minutes. Press START. Fill each ring with 2 tablespoons of batter. Cook for 7 mins until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook for 1 minute until just golden. Remove from pot and set aside. Repeat with remaining batter to make 18 crumpets.
Whisk together ricotta, orange zest, sugar and vanilla.
Serve the crumpets topped with a dollop of whipped ricotta and a drizzle of honey.
