1 pkg. active dry yeast
2 c. warm water
2 c. unsifted all-purpose flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a glass or plastic bowl (never use metal). Stir in flour with wooden spoon. Let stand, covered, on counter overnight.

Next day, remove 1/2 cup starter and store in a glass jar in refrigerator.

SOURDOUGH BREAD:

4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. shortening
Sourdough starter
1 beaten egg
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. warm water

In a large mixing bowl combine dry ingredients. Stir shortening into starter. Make a well in center of dry ingredients. Add starter-shortening mixture and egg. Mix until well blended. Knead dough 10 minutes.

Place dough in greased bowl, cover; let rise in warm place until double. Dissolve soda in water and knead into dough. Shape into loves; place in two greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise until double. Bake in moderate oven (375 degree) about 50 to 60 minutes.

SOURDOUGH PANCAKES:

1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tbsp. oil
1 tbsp. sugar
2 beaten eggs
Sourdough starter

Combine all ingredients until well blended. Fry on greased heated griddle.

The next time you want pancakes:

The night before, take out 1/2 cup starter and add: 2 c. all-purpose flour

Let stand out of the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove 1/2 cup starter to store and make pancakes as before.

SOURDOUGH MUFFINS:

1 1/2 c. unsifted whole wheat flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. oil
2 eggs, beaten
Sourdough starter
Optional: 1/2 c. raisins or currants

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl combine dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and add oil, eggs and sourdough. Stir only to moisten. Fill greased muffin pans 3/4 full. Bake 30 minutes. 20-24 muffins.

SOURDOUGH CHOCOLATE CAKE:

1/2 c. sourdough starter
1 c. milk
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs
3 oz. melted unsweetened chocolate (cool)

Mix together with a wooden spoon in a glass or plastic bowl the starter, milk and flour. Let stand 2 hours until foamy and bubbly. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13x2 inch pan or 2 round layer cake pans.

Cream together shortening, sugar, vanilla, salt, soda and cinnamon. Add eggs one at a time; beat well after each addition. Stir in sourdough mixture and cooled melted chocolate. Mix until just blended. Bake 30 minutes or until well done.