08/05/2026
The Sourdough Rollercoaster: 5 Batches in! 🥖✨
They say sourdough is a marathon, not a sprint, and my first five attempts have definitely been a wild ride! From "accidental pancakes" to loaves we actually enjoyed at the dinner table, every batch has taught me something new.
The Scoreboard so far:
❌ Attempt 1: A total fail. (Turned into sourdough pancakes, so no waste! 😂)
✅ Attempts 2 & 3: Success! Far from perfect, but seeing that first rise was the best feeling.
❌ Attempt 4: Another setback. Back to the drawing board (and the pancake griddle).
✅ Attempt 5: Success! My best handling yet—cleaner shaping and a much better texture.
My loaves aren’t "perfect" with giant holes just yet, but they are fresh, healthy, and 100% loved by my family. On to Attempt #6! 🏠❤️
What I’ve learned so far:
📍 Trust the Marker: Using a rubber band on my jar is the only way to truly know when my starter has doubled. No more guessing!
📍 Hunger Cues: When the starter gets "runny," it’s hungry! Feeding it back to a thick pancake consistency brings that strength right back.
📍 The APF Secret: All-Purpose Flour creates a super soft, tight crumb. It’s all about finding that "sweet spot" of water so it’s easy to shape but still light.
📍 Mixer + Technique: The stand mixer is a game-changer for mixing, but the stretch and folds afterwards are where the real magic happens. It’s the secret to building that dough strength!
📍 Patience pays off: A long cold proof in the fridge (up to 21 hours!) is the secret to that deep flavor and making the bread much easier on the stomach.
Respect to the craft! Back to the kitchen for the next one. 🥖🔥
