
A historical bread from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). This is a convenient way, when making sponge for bread over night, using some of the sponge.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
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make a batter, at night, of a pint of water or milk, a teaspoonful of salt, and half a teacupful of yeast
in the morning, add to it one teacupful of thick, sour milk, two eggs well beaten, a level tablespoonful of melted butter, a level teaspoonful of soda and flour enough to make the consistency of pan-cake batter
let stand twenty minutes, then bake
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
The overnight fermentation with yeast develops complex flavor compounds and begins gluten formation, creating a tender yet structured griddle cake. The combination of yeast and baking soda (reacting with the sour milk's lactic acid) provides dual leavening—the yeast creates sustained rise and flavor, while the soda gives an immediate lift when the batter hits the hot griddle. The sour milk adds tangy flavor and tenderizes the gluten through its acidity, while the overnight rest allows enzymes to break down starches into sugars, enhancing browning and flavor.
The overnight sponge is integral to this recipe. Mix the water/milk, salt, and yeast the evening before and let stand covered at room temperature for 8-12 hours. In the morning, proceed with adding the remaining ingredients. The final batter must be used within 30-40 minutes of the final mix to prevent over-fermentation.
Cooked griddle cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat individual cakes in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp on the edges. Do not store uncooked batter as the leavening will be exhausted.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The overnight sponge is integral to this recipe. Mix the water/milk, salt, and yeast the evening before and let stand covered at room temperature for 8-12 hours. In the morning, proceed with adding the remaining ingredients. The final batter must be used within 30-40 minutes of the final mix to prevent over-fermentation.
Cooked griddle cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat individual cakes in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp on the edges. Do not store uncooked batter as the leavening will be exhausted.