Last January, I set out to begin making sourdough. It’s been nearly a year now, and I love it–the bubbly starter, the shaping of loaves, and the incredible results it produces. Over the year, I’ve worked at building my starter up and have given sourdough starters to my family members to help them get started. My starter has quickly become healthy and strong, able to produce quality loaves, every time. It’s been such a joy to make beautiful bread for my family, and I love knowing what’s in it.
When I began, I was nervous. Flour is not cheap, and I hate the idea of wasting ingredients. I also followed many sourdough bakers online who only used King Arthur flour for it’s high protein content, but really turned up their noses at the good ol’ Robin Hood flour we Canadians have available. There were other options out there, but they were outrageously expensive and would require us having it shipped. Ultimately, I knew it simply wasn’t doable and would need to work with what I had available to me (Robin Hood, I’m looking at you).
Despite not having “the best” flour and beginning without a banneton or lame, my loaves worked. My starter held, and it kept getting better and better. I had conquered my fears and didn’t waste any flour in the process! While I know sourdough is mysterious for some (it was for me!), I honestly feel that it can be simple. Sometimes having too much information at first is overwhelming. Before you can think about making artisan loaves, you need a starter that’s healthy and happy.
Of course, you can start by making your own starter, but there are much easier ways of getting started–that’s where I come in!
I’m so excited to release my Dried Sourdough Starter & Digital Beginner’s Guide for sale! For $12.00 CAD, you will receive a beautifully packaged envelope of my trusty sourdough starter (by mail) & my 11-page PDF beginner’s guide sent to your email immediately. You are free to print it for individual use.
