My First Sourdough Loaf!

I had to write a quick update on something I’ve been working on for the past month…SOURDOUGH! I know…it seems like a long time to make one loaf of bread but this was a learning process and it took me some time. Below I’ve shared more about why it took me so long, info about timing, and finally what I am hoping to do next.

Perhaps you’re wondering why it took me so long?

1. I didn’t feel like my starter was ready. Even though it passed the ‘float’ test and was bubbling like it was ‘supposed’ to, I didn’t feel like it had a distinct smell or the right texture. I decided to keep feeding it and wait a bit longer until it hit those two things
2. I didn’t know how to time the sourdough bread. There were about 5 times that I thought about making a loaf but then I remembered that it needed to rest up to 12 hours so either I needed to start at night or start early in the morning. I finally determined my timing:
   • Feed starter night 1
   • Make dough in the morning (like 8am)
   • Let dough rise all day
   • Shape night 2
   • Let dough rest in fridge overnight
   • Bake in the morning

Once I figured out these two things, I was off to the races! I utilized this recipe which was easy to follow and turned out really well! I do want to try it a few more times and then begin to refine it and start getting more advanced. I really loved my first loaf and see why this can be so addicting! There are a few things I am hoping to refine, including:

• Figuring out how to score (not just how to cut designs but the depth and pressure needed)
• Figuring out the right baking time and temperature for my oven
• Determining whether my dutch oven should really “preheat” for an hour or not
• Figuring out the right tools needed – right now I am utilizing what I have which is perfect for now (I don’t need to go buy all these things right away as a beginner)

Do you have any tips for a sourdough beginner? Any thoughts on the must have sourdough tools or timing?

xoxo, LL