Welcome to my kitchen! I’m thrilled to share with you one of my favorite recipes: homemade sourdough bread. As a mom of six and the heart behind our small farm and micro bakery, baking bread has become more than just a culinary pursuit—it’s a journey that fills our home with warmth and delicious aromas, creating moments we cherish together.

Why Sourdough?

Sourdough baking isn’t just about making bread; it’s about connecting with tradition and nurturing something special right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re new to sourdough or a seasoned baker, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding, guiding you step-by-step to bake your own loaf of artisanal bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

50-100 grams of active sourdough starter: Your starter is the heart of this recipe, giving your bread its unique flavor and rise.

350 grams of warm water: Use tap water for convenience or filtered water for a cleaner taste.

500 grams of flour: High-protein all-purpose flour works well; experiment with bread flour or whole wheat for different textures and flavors.

10 grams of pink sea salt: Adds a subtle depth of flavor; adjust to taste.

Tips for Success

Starter Consistency: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before use. If it hasn’t been fed recently, refresh it with equal parts flour and water and let it ferment until bubbly.
Water Temperature: Use warm water (about 90-95°F or 32-35°C) to help activate the yeast in your starter and encourage fermentation.
Flour Hydration: Adjust the amount of water slightly based on your flour type and local humidity. The dough should be tacky but not overly sticky.
Bulk Fermentation: Depending on your kitchen temperature, the bulk rise can vary. Aim for a dough that increases in volume by about 50-75% and passes the poke test—when gently pressed, it should spring back slowly.
Shaping Techniques: Experiment with different shaping methods to create your desired loaf shape. A tight, well-shaped loaf leads to better oven spring and a beautiful final presentation.
Scoring the Dough: Use a sharp blade to score the dough just before baking. This not only adds a decorative touch but also helps control the bread’s expansion during baking.

Naming Your Sourdough Starter:

Naming your sourdough starter can add personality to your baking routine. Whether inspired by a favorite character, place, or memory, giving your starter a name can make your baking experience more enjoyable and personalized. Mine is named Rue, inspired by my love for the Hunger Games series, adding a bit of whimsy to my daily bread-making adventures.

Fun Extras:

Music and Baking: Like many bakers, I believe that humming a tune while kneading or shaping dough adds a sprinkle of joy and enhances the bread’s flavor. Try it out and see if your favorite songs influence your baking!
Sharing Your Creations: Whether it’s with family, friends, or neighbors, sharing freshly baked sourdough bread fosters connections and spreads happiness. Consider gifting a loaf or two and see the smiles it brings.

Let’s Bake Together!

I invite you to join me in the kitchen to experience the magic of homemade sourdough bread. It’s not just about creating delicious loaves but also about cultivating a love for baking that nourishes both body and soul.

About Me
As a mom of six, running a small farm and micro bakery, my journey into sourdough baking began as a challenge turned passion. Learning to make food from scratch has been my way of creating a warm and loving home, despite the odds. Now, it’s a joy to share this journey with you through my blog.

Connect with Me

I’d love to hear about your sourdough adventures and see your creations! Tag me on social media and share your baking stories. Let’s inspire each other to bake with love and laughter.

Embrace Homemade Sourdough: A Recipe from My Kitchen to Yours