Although maternity leave has me busier and more sleep deprived than I ever was with my day job, it has allowed me to explore certain new hobbies that had long been on my list. First off, I’m finally growing my little raised garden bed vegetable patch, and secondly, I finally jumped aboard the sourdough train.

The latter feels like a mixture of real life tamagotchi for 30-something-year-olds, and a science experiment. Either way, I’m enjoying myself thoroughly.

I learned of the health benefits of sourdough not that long ago, namely the fact that it has a lower glycemic index, is easier to digest for gluten sensitive tummies, as well as the fact that it counts as a ‘fermented food’ -which help keep your gut bacteria happy. And bonus – it tastes great!

Here is the link to the Clever Carrot website – to the recipe I used for my starter :

https://www.theclevercarrot.com/2019/03/beginner-sourdough-starter-recipe/

The starter took about a week to make and if I plan on using it several times that week, I generally keep it out at room temperature and feed it daily, or I put it in the fridge and then ‘reawaken’ it the day before use by feeding it once before use.

That has worked for me thus far and I’m only a month or two in.

There are two recipes that I have loved so far and already have made a handful of times:

Both of these are found on the Alexandra’s Kitchen website.

Sourdough Focaccia

The first is a sourdough focaccia – which I have found fairly straightforward and low maintenance to make.

Here is the link:

https://alexandracooks.com/2019/03/22/simple-sourdough-focaccia-a-beginners-guide/

And this is how it turned out for me! Tried and true, I followed it to the letter and switch up the toppings I add each time. My family and friends love it so far.
It has that tangy sourdough taste but doesn’t take a master’s degree in baking to make.

Toppings used here include – black olives, garlic, onions, oregano, rosemary and cherry tomatoes.

Sourdough Boule

The second recipe I love is the sourdough Boule. The instructions are very clear on the website and I have not yet deviated from this.

Here is the link:

https://alexandracooks.com/2017/10/24/artisan-sourdough-made-simple-sourdough-bread-demystified-a-beginners-guide-to-sourdough-baking/

The entire sourdough process seems daunting at first but I do have to say, once you get into the rhythm of things, it becomes like any other favourite go-to recipe.

Enjoy!

MJ.