Biscuits and Gravy

In my house, we love biscuits and gravy. We could eat them everyday (if we didn't get fat doing so). The recipe I was using produced good biscuits but I was not happy with them. We could eat them with sausage gravy or chocolate gravy.

A few months ago, I was watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and he visited restaurants was famous for biscuits and gravy and my stomach started rumbling watching the show. So on my search to find a new recipe, I came across one from Paula Deen. I put the ingredients together slightly differently. Here is the link to the recipe. I modified this recipe by making a sponge with the yeast. Instead of activating the yeast with only water, the sponge includes sugar and flour.

This recipe tastes the best when made with buttermilk. However, if you do not have buttermilk, there is another way to obtain a similar consistency and flavor (the recipe is below). The buttermilk can also be exchanged for 3/4 C yogurt and 1/4 C milk (but I have not tried this version).

To make the SPONGE:
Add the yeast (usually a packet or 2 1/4 tsp)
1/4 C Water
1 tsp sugar
1/4 C Flour

Mix the ingredients and place in a warm place for 10 minutes.

To make Substitute BUTTERMILK:
1 C Milk
4 1/2 tsp White Vinegar or Lemon Juice (can also use 1 3/4 T Cream of Tartar)
Combine the ingredients. Let them sit for 15 minutes at room temperature. The milk should start to curdle. Stir well before using.