Sweet Hoecakes with Strawberry Sauce and Whipped Soured Cream

Sweet Hoecakes with Strawberry Sauce and Whipped Soured Cream

Hoecakes are a type of biscuit that are cooked in a pan. They were originally born out of necessity by farmers who went too far out into the field to come back for lunch. The farmer would take the dry mix out into the field with him. When lunch time rolled around, he would build fire, mix the dry mix with some water, and cook the cakes on his hoe over the fire. This dish was especially apt for our visit to Courtney's farm, as we prepared the dish out in the barn. This is a sweet version that is similar to those old time hoecakes, but a bit more rich. The whipped soured cream provides the perfect accompaniment to balance the sweetness of the strawberries. Fresh or frozen berries will work just fine for this recipe.

Hoecakes

1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour

1/2 cup White Cornmeal

3 Tblspn Sugar

1/2tsp Salt

2tsp baking powder

5 Tblspn butter, frozen

1/2cup milk

1/2cup cream

1/2tsp vanilla

1. Sift dry ingredients together.

2. Cut in frozen butter using a fork or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse cornmeal with some pieces still the size if small peas.

3.  Make a well in the center and add wet ingredients. Using a fork or wooden spoon, mix until just combined

4. Turn out on to a lightly floured surface and kneed two or three times. 

5. Roll or press out dough two a thickness of 1/2" to 3/4"

6. Cut into 2" squares

7. Using a skillet or sauté pan, heat just enough oil to coat the bottom over medium low heat. 

8. Cook the hoecakes until golden brown, flipping half way through. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. 

Strawberry Sauce

4 pints Strawberries

2 T Cornstarch

1/2 c Sugar

1t Black Pepper

1t Balsamic Vinegar

Place all ingredients in a sauce pot and cook until thick and bubbling. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking

Whipped sour cream

1/2 cup Sour cream

1/2 cup Cream

2 Tblspn Sugar

Whip sugar and cream together to soft peaks. Fold in Sour Cream. 

To assemble, split a hoe cake in half, top with strawberry sauce and then with the whipped sour cream.