Dig into Dorothy's holiday recipes

"A waffle is an enlarged hotcake with non-skid tread." - Anonymous

Waffles were considered a special treat or something to be served to company. Today waffles have become a popular around-the-clock dish for everyday meals, even dessert. The old-fashioned black waffle iron was heavy and a problem to heat. Waffles demanded steady heat and plenty of it. Electricity and the advent of the heat-controlled waffle irons boosted the popularity of waffles.

When the waffles are baked, it is worth the effort. Sourdough waffles are easy to make. The same recipe can be used for pancakes and waffles. The difference is all in the baking!

Sourdough waffles

2 cups sourdough starter

2 tbsp sugar

4 tsp cooking oil

1/2 tsp salt

1tsp (scant) soda

Mix with the sourdough starter, sugar, egg, oil, and salt. Mix well. Dilute soda in warm water in jigger glass stirring with little finger. Fold in soda gently. Do not beat. Stir with easy, rhythmic motion turning the spoon. Notice the deep hollow tone as the batter thickens and doubles in volume with bubbles. Dip batter immediately into hot iron.

Squash/apple bake

Soon winter will be upon us, and the smell of turkey roasting and pumpkin pie baking, and all the good things of the holidays will be here again. Here is something from Grandma's kitchen:

Peel and thinly slice a banana squash and some apples. Arrange the slices in layers, first apple then squash. Dot with butter and add water. Sprinkle tiny red cinnamon candies on top. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Twin applesauce loaves

(Another family recipe from Grandma.)

Sift all together:

2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 tsp soda

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp cocoa

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp allspice

Add to the above 1/2 cup shortening, 1 1/2 cup applesauce, 2 eggs, and l/2 cup each nuts and dates. Beat well. Bake in 350 degree oven until cake tests done. Frost with cream frosting.

Apple dumpling

Slice apples and layer with crushed pineapple alternately in a baking pan. Sprinkle thin almond slices on top. Pour one dry yellow cake mix on top. Dot top with one stick of butter. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

Spicy gingerbread

A wonderful one-bowl recipe!

Beat in one large bowl:

4 eggs

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cup dark molasses

1 cup shortening or oil

5 cups flour

4 tsp soda

3 tsp ginger

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp baking powder

2 cups boiling water

Bake at 350 degrees 30-40 minutes.

Christmas cakes

Mix together:

4 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp salt

4 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp cloves

Mix well in a blender:

1 quart bottled peaches

4 tsp baking soda

Water to make 4 cups

Add this mixture to dried ingredients.

1 cup raisins

1 cups nuts

2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup dried cranberries

Add: 1 cup oil last

Mix everything together and bake in three loaf pan at 325 degrees for one hour.

Dorothy Hubbard is a Post Falls resident.