Spoiler alert: I never planned to make sourdough bread.
It all started with a bread machine — a simple, no-fuss way to make loaves at home. And while it worked, the results were never quite right. The crust was soft, the flavor a little flat, and it was missing the one thing I truly craved:
A dark, crispy crust and that famous sourdough tang.
A Deep Dive Into the Sourdough World (aka: the rabbit hole)
So, like anyone looking for answers, I turned to the internet. What I found was a tidal wave of conflicting information — hydration ratios, bulk fermentation timing, stretch and folds or compression folds… I was overwhelmed before I even picked up a mixing bowl.
Just when I was about to give up, I found a homesteader online who sold sourdough at local street fairs. Her loaves were beautiful — rustic, imperfect, and alive. Her method was simple, approachable, and built on experience rather than rules.
The First Loaf
I followed her process with low expectations — just hoping for something edible.
But when I pulled my first loaf out of the oven… I nearly fell over.
It was everything I wanted:
Deep, caramelized crust
Beautiful, natural rise
That unmistakable sourdough aroma
And when I sliced it open — the flavor. Tangy. Complex. Alive. I was hooked.
And That’s When the Obsession Began…
Since then, sourdough has become more than just bread for me. It’s a ritual. A rhythm. A way to slow down and create something nourishing from the most basic ingredients.
What started as a disappointment with my bread machine turned into a full-blown passion — and I’m still learning with every loaf.
Want a Peek at My First-Ever Sourdough Creations?
A little burnt on top but still turned out amazing. I’ve learned that practice makes better.
Have Questions? Let’s Chat.
Feel free to leave a comment below. If you’re just starting your own sourdough journey, I’d love to hear about it!
“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
