My Sourdough Journey: From Overthinking to Learning the Craft
This year, I embarked on a sourdough journey that has transformed my baking routine and brought a new level of creativity to my kitchen. It all started with the desire to create my own sourdough starter—a seemingly daunting task that I soon realized was simpler than I had imagined. With each loaf of bread I make (which is now 3-5 loaves a week!), I find myself getting just a little bit more expert in the craft.
Creating My Sourdough Starter: The Beginning of the Journey
Learning to create and nurture a sourdough starter was a significant milestone for me. At first, I was overwhelmed by all the information out there—how to feed it, how to store it, what temperature it likes, and so on. But with time, I discovered that the process is quite simple once you get the hang of it. The key is consistency and a bit of patience.
Now, my sourdough starter (Doughby) is like a member of the family. I’ve learned what it loves, how to keep it healthy, and how to fit the feeding and maintenance into my daily routine, no matter how busy I am.
Baking Bread: From Novice to Confident Baker
As I started baking, I quickly realized that every loaf is a learning experience. Over time, I developed a system that works seamlessly with my schedule. Whether it’s a hectic workday or a leisurely weekend, I’ve found ways to incorporate sourdough baking into my life without it feeling like a chore.
Each loaf I bake brings a sense of accomplishment, and with every batch, I refine my skills. The process, which once felt overwhelming, has become a comforting ritual.
The Art of Scoring: Adding a Personal Touch
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with scoring designs on the tops of my loaves. While I wouldn’t call myself an artist, the results have been fun and add a personal touch to each bake. There’s something satisfying about seeing a beautifully scored loaf come out of the oven, knowing that it’s a product of both practice and creativity.
Join Me on My Sourdough Journey
I’ve been sharing this journey on our YouTube channel, where you can find videos that document the process, tips I’ve learned along the way, and some of the beautiful (and sometimes quirky) loaves I’ve baked.
If you’re curious about starting your own sourdough journey or just want to see how I’ve progressed, check out these videos:
Baking sourdough has become more than just making bread—it's a creative outlet and a practice in patience and perseverance. I hope my experiences can inspire you to start your own journey, whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out.