SOURDOUGH DUMPLINGS MARY ANN

Mary Ann Crabtree was a cultured well-educated woman from England.  She came to 
California in 1853 with her husband John and six-year-old daughter Lotta.

John Crabtree went from gold rush to gold rush, never finding any gold.  He left his wife 
and daughter at Grass Valley, California to take care of themselves as best as they could.  
In order to support herself and daughter, Mrs. Crabtree ran a boarding house.  Her food 
was excellent.  Men came from as far away as San Francisco to spend a week with their 
feet under Mary Ann's table.

Whenever Mary Ann had a minute or two, she trained her red-haired daughter Lotta how 
to act and how to remember lines.  Lotta grew up to be the most famous actress of her 
time.

Men particularly liked Sourdough Dumplings Mary Ann.  Here is her original recipe:

In the morning mix 1/2 cup of bubbling sourdough that you have removed from a cool 
place the night before.  Add 1/2 cup of warm milk and 1/2 cup of flour.  Cover with a damp, 
warm towel and set in a warm place to raise 30 minutes or more.

Add to the batter 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of oil.  Beat vigorously.

Blend together 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 level teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 level teaspoon 
of baking soda.  Beat in well.  Cover with a warm, wet towel and set in a warm place to 
rise for 30 minutes.

Dip by tablespoonsful into hot stew or soup.  Cover pot tightly and cook for about 12 
minutes.  Serve the dumplings at once with the soup or stew.