Summertime bagels, pizza, and more crackers! One of the things I love most about sourdough baking is its versatility. Not only do we get incredible flavor from the natural fermentation process in large, thick loaves, but it's also possible to apply that to other goodies, such as tortillas, bagels, and many more. Over the years, I've been sneaking my starter into so many things, from pie crusts to banana bread, to, well, everything for breakfast 🙂 This week, I returned to one of my favorites:...
12 days ago • 2 min read
New Sourdough Crackers (and what I want for Father's Day) Hey there, baker! Easy... That's what I've been in the mood for this week, as we transition from kids-in-school to kids-at-home (and all the challenges that come with it). Thankfully, to help keep these kiddos snack cravings at bay, we've got a new recipe for sourdough seeded discard crackers up at the site. Easy they are. Delicious, too. Plus, they're fun to make with the kids—let them get their hands in some dough, roll it out with a...
19 days ago • 3 min read
Strawberry shortcake and cherry clafoutis! Last year was yet another attempt to get strawberries to grow in my garden. Due to the heat (and my unfortunate decision to place my garden beds in direct sunlight, as recommended by all the books), my plants struggled. Thankfully, I decided to stick an extra one in a shady spot right next to my house—this one is thriving. This year we finally have a bushel of strawberries, and I'll tell you, there's nothing like a home-grown strawberry. The problem...
26 days ago • 2 min read
The best weekend pancakes! This past week, I've been on a pancake bender. My kids are home for summer break, and that casual morning bowl of cereal doesn't seem to cut it. Their excuse: it's summer break, let's make it fun. (They're using this newly acquired justification for just about everything now, BTW.) But honestly, you don't have to strongarm me into making yet another batch of homemade pancakes—especially sourdough ones. I love them, and they're so incredibly easy. To change things...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
My Memorial Day baking plan Hello Reader, This Memorial Day weekend usually marks that magical moment when we finally crawl out of hibernation and fire up the grill, and if you're anything like me, you're probably scrambling to get your garden situation sorted out too. My gardening revolves around not simply what I want to eat in the kitchen, but what will go well with all the bread I plan to bake this summer and early fall. I am a baker, after all 🙂 In this week's newsletter, I have a...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
The most amazing sandwich bread Hey, Baker. I've been preparing for a baking class I'm co-teaching in Chimacum Valley this week (more to come next week). But before I leave, I have to stock the house with my favorite sandwich bread: my sourdough Pain de Mie. If you haven't made this ethereal loaf, it will be your favorite in short order. Make the levain today and you'll have a couple of beautiful loaves for the weekend! In this week's newsletter: Recipe: Pain de mie sandwich bread Baking Tip:...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Store your starter for vacation, hamburger buns & more! Hello, bread-making friends! As summer vacations approach, I wanted to share my trusted method for putting your sourdough starter into "hibernation" mode during your travels—and then waking it back up when you return. The process is super simple. With minimal adjustments to your routine, your refrigerator becomes a temporary home for your starter, where it can patiently wait until you're ready to bake again. Once you're back, just a few...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Treats That'll Make Mom Happy Hey there, baker! The mom in your life probably isn't expecting anything, but even if they are, I guarantee any of the following will go above and beyond: Dark chocolate-cherry sourdough — My #1 pick, every year Chocolate knots — SO far superior to that ol' box of chocolates French canelé — crispy shell meets custardy interior Scones for breakfast — every mom deserves breakfast in bed Chocolate chip cookies — everyone loves a good (great) cookie Are you making...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Crusty loaves and fruit galettes (or pies) This past week, I've been baking with a variety of grains in testing: whole spelt, sifted durum, and a high-extraction wheat. This recipe isn't quite ready for prime time just yet. I want to try a more slender shape and pronounced tips—almost like a demi-baguette, but not quite that far. But, I'm super happy with the flour blend—spelt and durum work super well together, it's no wonder they're two widely used grains out in Italy! Check them out: I...
2 months ago • 3 min read