I started my sourdough journey as they call it a year ago and it was the best thing I could have done for myself and our family. I always wanted to start but the whole process and upkeep felt so daunting at first and of course there was always the thoughts in the back of my mind that if it didn’t work or I couldn’t figure it out, what would I do?

Well glad I did not let any of that hinder me and took the plunge! Now I make something “sourdough” weekly! I have successfully perfected Sourdough bread, Chocolate chip cookies, Sandwich bread and bagels. There have been weeks where I have been made 2 of these and that is not for the weak, baking and making is so much work. It makes me feel so good to know what me and my family are putting in their bodies and our digestion thanks us!

If you have been thinking about starting on your own sourdough journey, here are some pointers and I highly recommend starting, you will NOT regret it 🙂

First and foremost, you need a couple of items or have to plan on buying them because these are all necessities in doing it right:

1. Starter! Yes, just like in the old time where people shared items, you are going to have to find someone who has been making sourdough and they can give you some starter.
2. Dutch oven (4.5-6 quarts) We have a lodge and it has lasted
3. Bread knife (so much easier to cut if you have a proper knife)
4. Parchment paper
5. Wide Mouth glass jar (I use a large sized Mason jar and it works perfectly)
6. Food scale (each time you bake it will be slightly different and a food scale helps with weighing all the ingredients rather than measuring them, its more accurate)

I have made the process as simple as possible for me as I knew if it was not streamlined and easy to execute it wouldn’t become a habit for me and I am a creature of habit and routine!

There are many different ways you can approach sourdough for the hydration and I always have done a 1:1 ratio which means I always use the same amount of water to bread flour and it has worked out well for all the different things I have made.

SOURDOUGH BREAD AND BAGELS

I was lucky enough to find RunlikeKale on IG a mama who is the one who initially inspired me to make Sourdough and even mailed me a dry starter to get started. Ever since her, I have been dedicated and constantly use her bagel recipe and it never disappoints. She also sent me this bread recipe and it is FOOL proof. I have been using this every time and it’s so simple yet effective, makes a perfect loaf every time.

SOURDOUGH SANDWICH BREAD

For my sandwich bread, I have been using this recipe by the Clever Carrot and it’s been amazing. The dough is soft like a cloud and making it, is so fun. We have been eating it toasted with butter or of course making sandwiches with it.

I highly recommend you starting on your sourdough journey if you have been putting it off, it is SO worth it for fresh weekly home-made bread. Let me know if you try it and if you have questions!