The Magic of Sourdough: My Journey and Classes
Magical is the best way I can describe what’s happening in my kitchen these days. I have become completely obsessed with all things sourdough. I’ve always been a foodie—talk to me about food, and I will glow. Cooking has long been a passion, and feeding people is truly my love language. But this? This is on a whole new level.
Amidst my newfound obsession, I was given the opportunity to teach a basic sourdough class for beginners at a local artisan shop. Saying yes immediately was unlike me, but I did—and I’m so glad. I had an amazing time, and from what I hear, so did the students! Another class is already scheduled, and I hope there will be many more to come.
Keeping Sourdough Simple
One of the first things I want to share with those curious about sourdough is that it isn’t as complicated as it may seem. We tend to overcomplicate it. I remember keeping an old crock of sourdough starter on my counter as a young newlywed. I would ‘feed’ it occasionally—meaning I removed some and added more flour and water. And not fancy flour, either—just cheap, bleached, all-purpose flour with tap water straight from the kitchen sink. Yet, my starter, Sidney (yes, he had a name), thrived.
Even before I was married, I watched my mom and grandmother pass around Amish Friendship Bread starter in ziplock bags. It came with instructions to feed it and squish it daily—a food version of a chain letter. That, too, is a form of sourdough.
Today, with social media and global communication, we tend to take simple things and turn them into tribal activities. Now, there’s math (ick), special tools, techniques, and methods galore. Don’t get me wrong—I love watching those beautiful scoring videos and experimenting with new recipes. But I also want to keep sourdough accessible and enjoyable. My goal is to help people feel confident in their ability to make a simple loaf of bread for their family. Sweet or savory, it all comes down to one thing: bread.
What You’ll Learn in My Sourdough Class
As a fellow traveler on this sourdough journey, I want to share what I’ve learned—from creating a starter from scratch to baking a delicious loaf. My first class focuses on simply getting to something edible; future classes will build from there!
In my hands-on class, I’ll guide you through the entire sourdough process, whether you’re a complete beginner or have dabbled before. You’ll leave with the confidence to bake at home! We’ll cover:
How to create a starter from scratch
How to maintain a healthy sourdough starter
How to store and use sourdough discard
Mixing, folding, bulk fermentation, shaping, and basic scoring
Baking methods that improve crumb and crust
If you want to keep it simple, all you really need is flour (any kind), water (tap is fine), a vessel for your starter (one for the counter and, optionally, one for the fridge), and a way to mark its growth (a rubber band or tape). Measuring spoons are helpful, but even those aren’t strictly necessary—you’ll learn to eyeball your starter and understand its needs. A few mixing bowls are also useful for dough fermentation.
My Favorite Sourdough Tools
Over time, I’ve collected tools that make the sourdough process smoother. Here are my tried-and-true essentials:
Digital Scale - Accuracy can be key in baking. Measuring by weight ensures consistent results every time.
Sourdough Starter Jars – A glass jar with a loose lid or cloth cover is ideal. A wide-mouth mason jar works, but I also love acrylic apothecary jars for easy cleaning.
Stiff Spatula – Perfect for mixing the starter and scraping down the sides of the jar.
Bench Scraper – Essential for handling sticky dough and keeping your workspace clean.
Banneton Proofing Baskets – Helps shape the dough and creates those beautiful ridges. There are other options, such as this oval shape . And here's another cute one for those baking for one or two, or for making the ever-so-popular soup bowls.
Bread Lame – A razor-sharp tool for scoring dough to allow proper oven expansion. A sharp kitchen knife works too!
Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Traps steam to create a crisp, crackly crust. A total game-changer!
Silicone Bread Sling – Replaces parchment paper and offers a non-stick surface.
Cooling Rack – Ensures even cooling to prevent a soggy bottom.
Join the Fun and Start Your Sourdough Journey!
My sourdough classes are relaxed, fun, and packed with practical tips to help you master naturally leavened bread. If you’re local and ready to start baking, grab your supplies and join me for a hands-on experience that will have you baking with confidence in no time!
Interested in learning more? Contact me to reserve your spot in my next class!
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