My Sourdough Journey: 6 Months of Learning, Fails, and Wins

Six months ago, I embarked on a new baking adventure: sourdough. It all started with my brother-in-law, who had been baking his own sourdough bread. After trying my first loaf from him, I was hooked. As someone who loves to bake, I thought, why not try making my own starter and baking fresh bread at home? Plus, with all the additives in store-bought bread, sourdough seemed like a healthier option for my family.

Why I Started Baking Sourdough

The main inspiration for my sourdough journey was my family’s health. A quick glance at the ingredient list on grocery store bread is enough to make you cringe—unnecessary additives, preservatives, and who knows what else. I wanted to provide something wholesome and nutritious for my family.

At first, my goal was simple: bake bread for our household and maybe sell a loaf or two if I got good at it. But sourdough is so much more than baking. It’s about nurturing a living starter, a process that feels both special and personal. The idea of passing down my starter—perhaps even to my kids one day—made the experience all the more meaningful.

The Challenge of Starting From Scratch

Creating my own starter was one of the toughest parts of this journey. My brother-in-law kindly offered to share some of his, but I was determined to make my own from scratch.

What I Learned About Starters

• Patience is key: My starter took three weeks to get going!
• Maintenance is simple: Once it’s active, regular feedings keep it alive. Even if I missed a day or two, extra feedings brought it back to life.
• Resources are everywhere: I relied on Instagram, TikTok, and advice from my brother-in-law during those early days.

Overcoming Early Baking Struggles

Oh, those first loaves! Let’s just say they were “creative” versions of what I had hoped for. I constantly underproofed or overproofed the dough because I didn’t know what to look for.

Lessons from Early Bakes

• Underproofed/overproofed bread: Dense and flat loaves may still taste good, but they lack the airy texture of a perfect sourdough.
• Practice makes perfect: My first successful loaf was a game-changer. I finally understood the steps and could tell what to do at each stage.

The excitement of nailing that first perfect loaf was unmatched. I texted my husband pictures and felt so proud of how far I’d come.

Tools That Make Sourdough Easier

While sourdough baking doesn’t require fancy tools, a few essentials can make the process smoother:

• Banneton: Helps the dough maintain shape while proofing.
• Dutch oven: Creates the perfect environment for baking sourdough. My affordable Dutch oven from Target works like a charm!

The Beauty of Experimenting

Once I mastered the basics, I started playing around with flavors:

• Chocolate sourdough – A family favorite!
• Jalapeño cheddar – Perfect for savory lovers.

The possibilities are endless, and I’m excited to keep experimenting with different ingredients and techniques.

Balancing Sourdough with Motherhood

As a mom, sourdough baking has its challenges. Timing is everything, and sourdough is incredibly time-sensitive. When my kids need me during critical stages of baking, it can be frustrating.

Finding Balance

• Plan ahead: I try to schedule baking around my kids’ routines.
• Stay flexible: If I miss a step, I’ve learned to adapt and keep going.

Despite the occasional stress, the rewards of baking sourdough are well worth it.

Why Sourdough is Worth It

Sourdough has taught me patience, creativity, and the joy of slowing down. Timing is crucial, but nature often has its own plans—like humidity affecting the dough!

Advice for Beginners

Be patient. The process takes time, but the satisfaction of pulling a fresh, golden loaf out of the oven is unbeatable.

Start small. If making your own starter feels overwhelming, consider buying one.

Join the Sourdough Journey

I highly recommend sourdough baking to anyone curious about it. It’s a creative and fulfilling process that offers healthier options for your family.

Let’s Connect

• Share your story: Have you started your own sourdough journey? What were your wins and fails?
• Ask questions: I’d love to help you get started or troubleshoot issues.
• Buy a starter: If you need one, I’m happy to share mine!

What’s Next for My Sourdough Adventure

Looking ahead, I’m excited to:

• Experiment with more flavors and ingredients.
• Explore recipes for sourdough discard to reduce waste.
• Continue sharing my love for baking with my family and community.

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking sourdough at home. From the smell wafting through the kitchen to the first slice of a warm loaf, it’s a process I’ll never tire of.

If you’re considering starting your own sourdough journey, dive in! The time and effort are worth it. And if you’ve already started, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Let’s inspire each other on this delicious adventure!