I always maintain my sourdough starter at 100% hydration. That simply means that for every gram of flour I add, I also add a gram of water. This means that my starter is always a consistent level of hydration. If you want happy starter, easy math, and consistent recipes, this approach keeps everything nice and simple. In general, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your starter jar regularly. I check mine daily, but don’t always do anything with it based on what I see. There are a couple things to look out for that indicate doing …
Cafe Frappe Redux
This cafe frappe is an oldie but goodie. I originally shared this cafe frappe recipe back in 2013 and I wanted to share it again for a couple of reasons. First, I really, really, really hate the original pictures and wanted new ones for the blog. Second, and more importantly, it’s so dang good and it’s worth highlighting again. I figure with the warm weather starting up that it would be a great time to share it. Although to be fair, I drink this 365 days a year. A cafe frappe is a Greek iced coffee with a layer of …
Nachos
Tomorrow is May 1st. Mind blown. Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner and I initially thought that nachos would be a great way to celebrate the occasion, and they are, but then I realized that nachos are awesome any day of the year. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to blog a recipe for nachos because I don’t think that there is a right or wrong way to do it. Grab some chips and pile on the ingredients that you love. Make a pile for one person or 50. My husband and I made these nachos on New …
What Sourdough Is
Sorry germophobes, but naturally occurring yeast and bacteria are all around you all the time. Just try not to think about it. Thousands of years ago, in the ages way before what I refer to as “industrialized yeast” this was all there was for making bread. Sourdough starter has yeast and other things living in it just waiting to make delicious bread. That means sourdough is effectively just the stuff that makes bread rise. Today, going to the grocery store is all it takes to get a packet or jar of single strain instant yeast. This yeast works amazingly well …
Deep Dish Cookie Bowls for Two
This is heaven in a cup, for two. Picture a chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven, except it’s cooked in a bowl and it’s got a gooey center and that’s what you have here. If you like chocolate chip cookies or chocolate or ice cream with cookies then you’ll love these. I made these cookie bowls for two reasons. One, there aren’t many ingredients, and the amount you need of each isn’t a lot. Two, my husband loves chocolate chip cookies (he says they are his favorite cookie) so I thought he’d love this variation. Okay maybe there is …
