Sourdough Sponge Starter

Recently while scanning the many useless cookbooks on the shelves of the local library, I happened upon a copy of The Complete Book of Breads by Bernard Clayton, JR. After reading through a few pages, I realized how much more potential this hands on recipe book had to offer than those of today that rely on all sorts of machinery to do the heavy mixing. After checking it out and heading home, I began reading about all the outdated techniques and tips that have been lost throughout the years of Bread making. Below is just one of the many different Sponge Starter recipes listed inside that I'll be using in future Bread posts.

Ingredients: 1 Package Dry Yeast

1 3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour

1 Tbls. Salt

1 Tbls. Sugar

2 1/2 Cups Hot Tap Water (120F-130F)

In a medium bowl, combine together the Yeast

Flour

Sugar

And Salt, whisk thoroughly

Pour in the warm Water and stir for thirty seconds

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave in a warm area (80F-85F) for 4-5 days (scrape down the mixture daily)

After the Sponge is finished fermenting, I'll be using it to bake Sour Dough loaves.

Hershey's Syrup Brownies

I found this recipe on the back of the Hershey's Syrup can label. I'm usually not a big fan of Brownies, but these sounded delicious.

Ingredients: 1 Stick Butter (softened)

1 Cup Sugar

1 1/2 Cups Hershey Syrup (16 oz. can)

4 Eggs

1 1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour

1 Cup Chocolate Chips

In a large bowl, cream together the Butter

And Sugar

Add the Hershey's Syrup

Eggs (one at a time)

And Flour mixing thoroughly

Stir in the Chocolate Chips

Pour the Batter into a 13x9x2 in. pan (I used two 6x2 in. pans instead)

Spread the Batter evenly then bake in a preheated oven at 350F for twenty to thirty minutes or until the Brownies pull away from the sides

Remove from the oven and cool thoroughly

Cut into bars and serve

These Brownies have a wonderful chocolate flavor and soft texture, but are a bit too cakey for my liking. Hopefully they get a little more gooey after sitting overnight. Still, they have a great taste and would be good with vanilla ice cream.