Meet Fred . . .

My sourdough starter. I had named him Stinky but I thought that so disrespectful so I renamed him Fred. Here is Fred in all his glory. Isn't he lovely?

Fred and I have had a most unusual relationship during the last week. He usually just sits around doing absolutely nothing while I hand feed him every night. Typical, wouldn't you say? Ah, to be Fred! :)

So, today is the day I will first get a chance to use Fred. I've decided to try making Sourdough English Muffins. First step is to mix some of Fred with some flour and water and let them co-mingle for about 12 hours. This is what that looks like. Actually in the sourdough world, this is called making a "sponge". After this is complete, you then add additional ingredients that really make the item you're making whether that's bread, rolls, pancakes, English Muffins, or whatever.

Anything with sourdough starter takes time - this I have learned today. I started this morning at 6 a.m. and finished around 7:30 p.m. I wasn't involved in doing anything with Fred this entire time, mind you, but you have steps you have to do and time you have to wait. So, after a 12 hour wait, I added the appropriate ingredients for my English Muffins and then rolled out the dough, cut it into English Muffin sized rounds and waited for it to rise another 45 minutes.

Then it was time to pan fry the little critters. Yes, English Muffins are pan fried. This took no time at all, once the skillet was hot.

Here, my friends, is the end result. Don't those look just wonderful? I can't wait to have one for breakfast in the morning. I'll be sure to let you know how delicious they are!!

I can't think of a better way to honor our Veteran's on this wonderful Veteran's Day. (I know, there is no correlation - but I tried!!)