My Sourdough Story

My first attempt at sourdough was not a success. I couldn’t get the starter to grow. It was too cold in my house. I was rushing the process.

Once I had more time and a new attitude, I gave it another try. I have had much more success and learned a few tricks along the way. My artisan loaves are looking and tasting better. I am trying new things like scones, muffins, and cinnamon rolls.

Here are some things I have figured out:

• After I feed the starter, I put it in the oven with the light on to keep it at a growth-promoting temperature.

• I use the “proof” setting on my oven for “proofing” the dough.

• I don’t feed my starter every day. I keep it in the fridge and pull out what I need from the “discard” and feed it when I want to bake.

• I generally do a 1:2:2 ratio.

• I love to bake two loaves of bread at a time, so I can give one to the neighbors or a friend. I put the bread in a pretty paper bread bag, then seal it with a sticker.

Baking sourdough has really helped (forced) me to learn to slow down and appreciate the process. It’s the process where I think we find the JOY. Well, and when we add the butter! But seriously, there is something so satisfying about working with dough. I keep trying to make new things with the sourdough starter, and that has been really fun too.

My favorite thing to make right now is cinnamon rolls. My mom used to make the best homemade cinnamon rolls. Making them always fills me with JOYFUL memories of her! I know mine are not as good as hers, but I am going to keep working on them! I will post the recipe once I master it.