Superb Sourdough Hot Cakes

 

 I'm loving my sourdough starter these days. Something about munching on that tangy bread by a fire is just the epitome of comfort. But I need not stop at it's taste, this yummy stuff has a whole list of reasons to fall in love.

1) Because it has natural yeast, you can throw it into just about any baking project and eliminate steps and ingredients. Sourdough starter = recipe shortcuts.
2) Sourdough is made by a process of fermentation. As it ferments it breaks down the starches and gluten and creates a suitable environment for digestive enzymes to settle in. This means it takes less energy for your body to break down, and leaves more energy for you to use for everything else (in my case chasing a toddler).
3) Sourdough is also said to have a much lower affect on your blood-glucose level than other breads.
4) Sourdough has it's origins rooted back in Ancient Egypt, and many starts have been passed down a dozen generations. So if you like to rock it old skool, sourdough is for you!


Sourdough is as simple as pie, and going from my last experience with making a pie, it's a heck of a lot simpler! Combine any amount of flour with enough water to make a smooth batter. Add some start, cover, and let sit at room temp for 8-12 hours and VIOLA! you have a giant sourdough start to use as you please. It retains it's smooth batter texture but will be full of bubbles.


Because sourdough IS ALIVE (I'd like that to sound as spooky as possible!) it's a bit tricky to get your hands on if you don't already know someone who has some to share, but all is not lost! You can order freeze dried sourdough culture online from CulturesForHealth and get that bad boy going. Also, I am more than happy to share mine with anybody who has an interest in trying it, it's a gift that keeps on giving and I'm  thrilled to pass it on.
Once you have a start going, make sure to save a little back in a jar before using the rest on your project, that way you have something to start the next batch. Two tablespoons, or so, will do and this can be stored indefinitely in the fridge.


Today, I am making some super simple hot cakes. I like to let my dough sour for about 2 days to get a really tangy flavor, but if you use some that has sat for a shorter period your cakes will still be awesome. They will have a very mild flavor, resembling buttermilk pancakes (only 10 times more tasty!).


Sourdough Hot Cakes
2 cups Sourdough Start
2 tbsp. Raw Sugar or Agave
2 tbsp. Coconut Oil or Butter
1 Egg
A Pinch of Sea Salt
A Dash of Baking Soda


Combine start with sugar, oil, egg, and salt in glass or ceramic bowl (no plastic or metal) stirring with a wooden spoon. Be sure to stir batter gently, do not beat. Oil and heat griddle. Add soda to batter right before cooking. At this point treat them like any other hot cake, cooking at medium-high heat on either side. Serve with a drizzle of pure maple syrup.



Be sure to share these yummy gems with anyone you'd like to be better friends with. This will be my third time overnight shipping them to Ryan Gosling via the United States Stalker Post and I'm pretty much expecting a proposal any day now :) But all stalker jokes aside, these cakes are sure to impress so pass them on!