IN MY SOURDOUGH ERA!

Its Been A Long Time Coming!

With the completion of our new kitchen, equipped with ample counter space and a larger oven, I finally had the perfect setup to embark on a baking journey I had long aspired to: sourdough bread. Despite numerous previous attempts that ended in frustration due to inadequate resources and space, I felt invigorated and ready to succeed this time.

The Sourdough Starter Saga

Sourdough begins with a starter, a living mixture of flour and water that requires care and attention to thrive. For the first seven days, my starter seemed unresponsive, showing no signs of life or activity. This phase tested my patience and resolve, but I remained hopeful and persistent.

Then, as if by magic, my starter began to bubble and grow, signaling that it was finally alive and ready to be transformed into delicious bread. This breakthrough moment was incredibly rewarding, providing the inspiration I needed to continue. In fact, I noticed it while my husband was talking about his day, I actually moved him aside so I could reach the starter—I noticed it bubbling and growing behind him, and I couldn't contain my excitement!

Everyone, meet Doughy, his full name is Doughy McIntyre, named after my favorite New Kid on the Block, because he's the new kid in the house! Woot Woot!

Doughy!

The Art of Baking

With a viable starter in hand, I embarked on the next phase of my sourdough journey: crafting the perfect loaf. Baking sourdough bread is both an art and a science, requiring a balance of intuition and precision. I experimented with different techniques, flour types, and hydration levels, each loaf teaching me something new.

My First Loaf

The Therapeutic Process

Baking sourdough has not only been a culinary adventure but also a therapeutic one. The rhythmic process of kneading dough, the comforting aroma of bread baking, and the satisfaction of pulling a golden, crusty loaf from the oven has provided a sense of peace and accomplishment.

Crumb not perfect but decent for a first loaf!

Continual Learning

Though I have successfully produced several loaves, the journey is far from over. Baking is a craft that evolves with every bake, offering endless opportunities for learning and improvement. As I continue to hone my skills, I'm excited to explore new recipes and techniques! I already tried bagels and they were a total success!

Bagels!

I made sourdough pasta!

I even used my starter discard to thicken a White Bean Chili, it worked immediately, oh my gosh this was so good!

Sourdough baking has become more than just a hobby; it's a rewarding and therapeutic practice that I cherish. I'm grateful for the opportunity to create something beautiful and delicious from simple ingredients, and I look forward to many more baking adventures in my new kitchen.

*Please check out my companion shopping list for this post on my Amazon Storefront page! There, you will find shoppable links to everything you'll need to get your own sourdough journey started.