This is such a beautiful metaphor for so many hurdles - mental or literal - in life! I can feel the triumph and elation of overcoming the mental block! I'm currently still in that afraid-of-the-kitchen phase of life, but look forward to getting over it one day, haha.
I love thinking about names! Maybe Riley? An ode to (rye) bread, while keeping with the R theme - River and Range!
SO clever, Kait! If you need words of wisdom regarding being in the kitchen, I'm here. It was a hurdle to climb over but I got there! Minus a whole chicken, still a no.
Kara - as a fellow kitchen and sourdough lover who enjoys nothing more than roasting a whole chicken on a Sunday when friends come and visit - if you need a recipe, I got you!
My dear friend, Tessa Straver @tessastraver_, just released an ebook called The Sourdough Companion, which invites ritual and mindful practices of sharing biomes between human, starter, and surrounding environments. tessastraver.com is her website, and I think it would totally be your jam.
Beautiful story! I was also gifted a starter from a friend who was gifted it from her friend who received hers from her family that goes back her great grandmother. I find it so special. I’ve messed up my fair share but also every time I don’t, I also shout in triumph. We named ours Pip and even my kids ask “did you feed pip today?”. I recommend “Birdie”- sometimes you just have to spread your wings and go with it
I absolutely love the fact that so many people have starter's that have been around for generations, or at least passed through friends. It's SO special.
Kara I love reading this. I ran a sourdough bread business based on the idea of “the mother dough” aka the Italian phrase for “the starter” and it was so nourishing on every level to feed my mother every single day as I too fed myself as a new mother in that time period. If you ever need help troubleshooting or someone to send photos to, don’t be a stranger 🫶🏽🤍
So happy to see you on substack! Making bread is one of my favorite kitchen activities, it's so meditative and tactile. And the beauty of sourdough starter is that bread is just the beginning of what you can make :)
This was lovely to read, Kara! And very aptly timed as I’m making my first loaf after moving house and more or less neglecting my poor starter for the last few months (the oven is heating as I type). I love the ritual of baking bread, and while I more or less understand the science behind it - seeing the little blob of starter turn into a beautiful loaf of sourdough feels a little bit like magic every time ✨ also how incredibly thoughtful of your friend to leave you with a loaf, starter, and hand-written instructions! What a great idea to get them framed.
First off, Yeast to West is a phenomenal name! Secondly, now that you're in it with the sourdough, check out Turner Farms on YouTube! She is a Nova Scotia farmer who has a sourdough subscription but also endless amazing tips on her YouTube page! 😍
So excited for your sourdough journey! The satisfaction of a fresh loaf truly never stops.
My only tip is to save your discard - there are so many incredible things you can make with it (pancakes, brownies, muffins, crackers). The added no-waste joy is the cherry on top!
Tears are running down my face as I red this love letter ... I too have been afraid to make bread, yet not afraid to experiment and cook everything else. This will inspire me to try... it looks so yummy!!
Maybe you name your starter "Brook" ( a small River..0.
I’ve been making sourdough for about a year and a half now. Live changing. Also might I recommend sugarhouseworkshop’s sourdough zine for when you want to play with sourdough recipes in other ways! Though her country boule is also my go to. So much love and joy and fun ❤️
Taylor! Jessica of Sugarhouse is a fellow Range member and made my tote bags for future retreats, she is an absolute GEM. I should have known she'd be a fantastic sourdough resource....off to her page!
“Yeast to West” was my first thought for a name 😅 like when you tell us in class to spread our arms out east to west!
OH MY GOD. IS THIS IT?!?!
Whether you go with this name or not, this deserves a class in and of itself!
This is such a beautiful metaphor for so many hurdles - mental or literal - in life! I can feel the triumph and elation of overcoming the mental block! I'm currently still in that afraid-of-the-kitchen phase of life, but look forward to getting over it one day, haha.
I love thinking about names! Maybe Riley? An ode to (rye) bread, while keeping with the R theme - River and Range!
SO clever, Kait! If you need words of wisdom regarding being in the kitchen, I'm here. It was a hurdle to climb over but I got there! Minus a whole chicken, still a no.
Kara - as a fellow kitchen and sourdough lover who enjoys nothing more than roasting a whole chicken on a Sunday when friends come and visit - if you need a recipe, I got you!
Oh my gosh, please send!
Just saw this! Emailing you now :)
My dear friend, Tessa Straver @tessastraver_, just released an ebook called The Sourdough Companion, which invites ritual and mindful practices of sharing biomes between human, starter, and surrounding environments. tessastraver.com is her website, and I think it would totally be your jam.
Immediately yes. Thank you Katie!
Beautiful story! I was also gifted a starter from a friend who was gifted it from her friend who received hers from her family that goes back her great grandmother. I find it so special. I’ve messed up my fair share but also every time I don’t, I also shout in triumph. We named ours Pip and even my kids ask “did you feed pip today?”. I recommend “Birdie”- sometimes you just have to spread your wings and go with it
I absolutely love the fact that so many people have starter's that have been around for generations, or at least passed through friends. It's SO special.
Next loaf may need a spiral on top :)
I wanted to do that today but I thought I was being too over zealous hahahahah NEXT TIME.
Kara I love reading this. I ran a sourdough bread business based on the idea of “the mother dough” aka the Italian phrase for “the starter” and it was so nourishing on every level to feed my mother every single day as I too fed myself as a new mother in that time period. If you ever need help troubleshooting or someone to send photos to, don’t be a stranger 🫶🏽🤍
The mother dough....what a gorgeous and strong image. Thank you, Nikki!!
Kara! I am so delighted to see you on substack! What a sensory post- if only I could grab a slice! :)
Hi! Thank you Staci! Once I get the hang of it, I'll ship you a loaf hehe.
So happy to see you on substack! Making bread is one of my favorite kitchen activities, it's so meditative and tactile. And the beauty of sourdough starter is that bread is just the beginning of what you can make :)
This was lovely to read, Kara! And very aptly timed as I’m making my first loaf after moving house and more or less neglecting my poor starter for the last few months (the oven is heating as I type). I love the ritual of baking bread, and while I more or less understand the science behind it - seeing the little blob of starter turn into a beautiful loaf of sourdough feels a little bit like magic every time ✨ also how incredibly thoughtful of your friend to leave you with a loaf, starter, and hand-written instructions! What a great idea to get them framed.
First off, Yeast to West is a phenomenal name! Secondly, now that you're in it with the sourdough, check out Turner Farms on YouTube! She is a Nova Scotia farmer who has a sourdough subscription but also endless amazing tips on her YouTube page! 😍
So excited for your sourdough journey! The satisfaction of a fresh loaf truly never stops.
My only tip is to save your discard - there are so many incredible things you can make with it (pancakes, brownies, muffins, crackers). The added no-waste joy is the cherry on top!
YES, Sarah do you have a discard chocolate chip cookie recipe?
Love the King Arthur one! https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/sourdough-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe
Also these brownies are kind of life changing https://topwithcinnamon.com/sourdough-brownies/
oops read not red....
Your way with words is so beautiful! What a beautiful way to share how you have moved through your comfort zone. That bread is GORGEOUS <3
Thank you Bella!!
Thank you!!
Tears are running down my face as I red this love letter ... I too have been afraid to make bread, yet not afraid to experiment and cook everything else. This will inspire me to try... it looks so yummy!!
Maybe you name your starter "Brook" ( a small River..0.
Happy Baking..
Leesa, I LOVE this idea. So so sweet.
Love the name!!
Thx!! Always has to do with River!!
I’ve been making sourdough for about a year and a half now. Live changing. Also might I recommend sugarhouseworkshop’s sourdough zine for when you want to play with sourdough recipes in other ways! Though her country boule is also my go to. So much love and joy and fun ❤️
Taylor! Jessica of Sugarhouse is a fellow Range member and made my tote bags for future retreats, she is an absolute GEM. I should have known she'd be a fantastic sourdough resource....off to her page!
How amazing, great community here! She seems so lovely. I am also working on my first quilt, love her work, food and creativity for inspiration.