A year ago I took a course on making sourdough bread. We learned about natural leaven, flour, water and the magical thing that happens when you mix them together. Initially, I was very enthusiastic about making sourdough bread. I couldn't wait to get home and make my first batch. Unfortunately, I made some mistakes along the way and my bread was ending up dense and flat. Eventually I got frustrated (and pregnant) so I gave up.
My mother and sister, who also took the course, encouraged me to try again and gave me a few tips. I figured out where I was going wrong - too much water and too much rising. I tried to make sourdough bread again and was finally successful. My bread rose and tasted amazing.
Since then making sourdough bread has been the only thing that I have done consistently in the last six months, even in these last few weeks of newborn mayhem I've (somehow) managed to get it done. I make my sourdough bread on Thursdays. The process actually begins Tuesday evening. I take out my chef (mother culture) from the fridge and begin my starter. I feed the starter three times before making the bread dough. Making sourdough bread takes a whole day. The dough rises a total of four times before being baked but the whole process is worth it. Sourdough bread is delicious and healthy.
I'm no expert at making sourdough bread but I want to share with you what I have discovered in the last year. So over the next couple weeks I'll go over the process I use for making sourdough bread and share with you my favourite sourdough bread resources.
Neat!! That bread was so delicious. Mmmm. Would starter travel well? Do you think you could send some for me with our in-laws when they come at Easter? I'd really like to try.
ReplyDeleteIt would probably travel fine. I could definitely send some along :)
DeleteYou're fabulous. I'm *so* impressed that you have managed to keep it up with having a newborn. Sounds like he is a pretty good baby? I'm so glad for you!!
DeleteWe'll have to arrange a time to talk on the phone so I can take detailed notes on what to do.
Yay! Can't wait to read all about it.
ReplyDelete