👩‍🍳 American Sourdough April 11

Hey there sourdough enthusiasts!

Welcome back to our weekly newsletter, where we dish out all the latest tips, tricks, and inspiration to elevate your home baking game.

This week, let's talk about something near and dear to every sourdough baker's heart: scoring! Sure, it might sound like something straight out of a sports game, but in the world of bread baking, scoring is where the magic happens.

Scoring is all about making those beautiful, intricate cuts on the surface of your dough before it hits the oven. But it's not just about aesthetics—scoring helps your bread expand and rise evenly during baking, creating that picture-perfect crust we all know and love.

So, how can you take your scoring skills to the next level?

It's all about practice, my friends! Grab your trusty razor blade or bread lame, take a deep breath, and go for it. Experiment with different patterns, angles, and depths to see what works best for you.

And hey, don't forget to have fun with it! Try incorporating seasonal designs or personal touches to make your loaves truly unique. After all, baking is as much about creativity as it is about precision.

So, go ahead, get scoring, and let your bread-baking creativity shine!

Happy baking!

We are so excited to have you on our email list.  Each week we do giveaways for Free Sourdough Swag!  To be entered simply reply to this email with your favorite section or simply say "got it."  Each time you reply you get an entry into the next weeks contest!  We love giving away free stuff to our fellows bakers!

Joining the American Sourdough Association is a step into a world where baking is more than just a hobby; it's a lifestyle that nurtures health, creativity, and community.

Click here to learn more!

Sourdough Discard Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender flowers
• 1/4 cup sourdough discard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the lemon zest and dried lavender flowers.
4. Add the sourdough discard and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy these delicate and aromatic cookies with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat any time of day!
    
    

Sourdough Discard Spring
Vegetable Frittata

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sourdough discard
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced spring vegetables (such as asparagus, peas, and green onions)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sourdough discard, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced spring vegetables and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, stirring gently to distribute the vegetables evenly.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges begin to set.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the frittata.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown on top.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this colorful and flavorful frittata as a satisfying brunch or light dinner option!

1. Roasted Garlic: Soft, caramelized cloves of garlic add a sweet and savory flavor to your focaccia.
   1. Fresh Herbs: Sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or oregano provide a fragrant aroma and a burst of freshness.
   2. Sundried Tomatoes: Intensely flavored and slightly tangy, sundried tomatoes add depth and richness to your focaccia.
   3. Caramelized Onions: Sweet and golden brown, caramelized onions lend a delightful sweetness and complexity to your bread.
   4. Kalamata Olives: Briny and robust, Kalamata olives add a punch of flavor and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
   5. Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, crumbled feta cheese adds a salty kick and a creamy texture to your focaccia.
   6. Artichoke Hearts: Tender and flavorful, marinated artichoke hearts add a deliciously tangy and savory element.
   7. Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness, halved cherry tomatoes add vibrant color and juicy flavor to your focaccia.
   8. Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a nutty crunch and richness to your focaccia, complementing the other toppings perfectly.
   9. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your focaccia.
   10. Parmesan Cheese: Shaved or grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory umami flavor and a crispy texture to your focaccia.
   11. Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a spicy kick and a pop of color, perfect for those who like a little heat in their bread.
   12. Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy and melt-in-your-mouth, slices of fresh mozzarella cheese add a luxurious texture and flavor to your focaccia.
   13. Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto adds a salty and savory flavor, elevating your focaccia to gourmet status.
   14. Fresh Basil: Fragrant and aromatic, torn or chopped fresh basil leaves add a burst of freshness and herbaceous flavor to your focaccia.

Interested in contributing to our weekly newsletters?  Simply reply to this to share your stories, pictures & recipes!  We would love to have you and help share your voice.