
A historical bread from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913).
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Make a batter of a quart of sour milk and as much sifted flour as is needed to thicken so that it will run from the dish
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Add two well-beaten eggs, a teaspoonful of salt, a tablespoonful of melted butter, and a level teaspoonful of soda dissolved in a little milk or cold water, added last
Bake on a hot griddle, well greased, brown on both sides
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
The lactic acid in sour milk reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, creating light, tender pancakes with a subtle tang. This acid-base reaction happens quickly once combined, which is why the soda is added last—premature mixing would waste the leavening power. The acidity also tenderizes gluten development, preventing tough, rubbery texture. Melted butter adds richness while helping prevent sticking, and the eggs provide structure and binding without making the cakes heavy.
The dry ingredients can be combined up to 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container. However, the batter must be made fresh and used immediately after adding the soda, as the leavening reaction begins instantly and loses effectiveness within 15-20 minutes.
Store cooked griddle-cakes in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months with parchment paper between each cake. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, in a toaster, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The dry ingredients can be combined up to 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container. However, the batter must be made fresh and used immediately after adding the soda, as the leavening reaction begins instantly and loses effectiveness within 15-20 minutes.
Store cooked griddle-cakes in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months with parchment paper between each cake. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, in a toaster, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.