As we travel out West I tend to think about the Pioneers and what it was like for them. Someone commented they felt bad for us traveling in a 100+ degree day. I said it wasn't really so bad- we have air conditioning! Despite traveling in luxury you still feel the elements and weather fluxes a bit more when traveling. Mornings and nights are much cooler and days are hotter even inside with air conditioning. Still nothing like the pioneers. One thing we do have in common as my dear sister in law noted is sourdough. That's the one thing I still use regularly in our travels since my yeast died when we transitioned and forgot to put it in the refrigerator.

Traveling has changed the way we do life. Maybe I'll see more of an ebb and flow pattern as we go but it's definitely been busier than I anticipated. We tried to fit in a lot at Glacier National Park- so worth it but feeling the need to rest. So right now enjoying a laid back day albeit in a rather smokey area. Never really experienced the summer fires of the West before. What else has changed? I think about our needs differently. I go through the cycle of evaluating what we have, what we need, what I'm going to make, what we need to use up, more often. Unlike the pioneers, we usually have access to what we need, it's just not 10 minutes away anymore. Getting items for a project could be an hour + detour en route. A grocery store may be 40 minutes away. Especially when we boon dock or (dry camp), we're very aware of our access to water, ability to dump, use electricity, hot water, etc. While cheaper, it can take a bit more effort and so far we've only done it for two consecutive days. Still, we are more than surviving. We are thriving in luxury, especially compared to pioneers.

Have you guys watched Alone? It's about ten trained survivalists who are put on Vancouver island. Cold and wet, it's considered a rain forest with 12+ feet a year of rain. These men and women are allowed 10 survival items to see how long they can last. They are placed separately so they completely alone (with the exception of cougars, bears, and other wild animals). It has me thinking of what the basics of survival are, and how helpful having people in skilled trades would be. I enjoy watching/learning how to start a fire with stones and sticks- but very thankful I just press a button and turn on my handy dandy lighter. Best coming of the oven have maybe been these cookies. Beats hardtack and cold beans for sure.

These cookies are the bomb. Tangy and sweet as they are made with sourdough. Why sourdough? Fermented grains reduce phytic acid which make food more digestible. Phytic acid also increases risk of cavities. Check out more about Dr. Weston Price if interested.

I usually make sourdough for pizza once a week so I need to feed it before I start that process. These cookies are a great way to use my not very active sourdough and feed it more flour and water so I have a nice active ferment for pizza come weekend.

Sourdough chocolate chip cookies

2 cups flour (I used part all purpose and part whole wheat pastry flour)
2 sticks butter
3/4 c. sourdough starter  (can be fed or discard)
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar (brown or white)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 cups of chocolate chips (I used a mix of chocolate chips, chocolate chunks and peanut butter chips.

Mix melted butter, flour, and sourdough. Cover and set aside for 3-24 hours. (I accidentally did 36 + and turned out great). Mix in the rest of the ingredients and refrigerate for an hour before baking. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 min.

Adapted from: https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/sourdough-chocolate-chip-cookies