Which country has won the most medals in the history of the Summer Olympics?
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- 👩‍🍳 American Sourdough Aug 8
👩‍🍳 American Sourdough Aug 8
Sandra Gebhardt
August 08, 2024
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Trivia Questionâť“Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Sourdough and Global Summer Traditions: Exploring Fermented Bread Around the World |
Baking for the Gold: Sourdough and the Olympics As the world comes together to celebrate the Olympic Games, it’s the perfect moment to merge our love for baking with the excitement of international competition. Just as athletes from around the globe unite in a spirit of camaraderie and excellence, your sourdough creations can embody this global celebration with a touch of creativity and flair. Embrace Global Flavors The Olympics offer a unique opportunity to explore and honor diverse culinary traditions from around the world. Why not infuse your sourdough with international flavors to create a truly global baking experience? Imagine baking Sourdough Pretzels with a German twist, their golden, twisted shapes reminiscent of the iconic German snack, ideal for cheering on your favorite athletes. Or, embrace the elegance of French cuisine with Sourdough Baguettes. Their crispy, golden crust and soft, airy interior will transport you straight to the charming streets of Paris. For an Asian-inspired treat, why not try Japanese Miso Sourdough? The rich umami flavor of miso adds a delightful depth to your sourdough, celebrating Japan’s culinary heritage in every bite. Each of these recipes not only captures the spirit of the Olympics but also provides a delicious way to enjoy a variety of global flavors right from your kitchen. Bake with Olympic Spirit Bring the thrill of the Games into your home with some Olympic-themed baking fun! Try creating sourdough in the shape of Olympic rings or use vibrant, colorful ingredients to reflect the diverse flags of participating nations. Share your creations with family and friends, and don’t forget to capture the moment—snap photos of your sourdough masterpieces and tag us on social media to join the global baking celebration. |
Joke Of The Week |
Why did the runner stop eating during the Olympics? Because he didn't want to get a false start! |
Sourdough Hacks |
7 Hacks for Olympic Baking |
1. Champion Crumb: For a light and airy crumb, let your dough rise in a warm spot, emulating the dedication and patience of athletes training for gold. 2. High Altitude Adaptation: Adjust your hydration levels and rise times if baking at high altitudes, similar to how athletes adapt their training for optimal performance. 3. Mixing It Up: Incorporate international spices and herbs into your sourdough, celebrating the diverse cultures featured in the Olympics. 4. Winning Presentation: Shape your loaves and rolls into Olympic rings or other themed designs to add a festive touch to your table. 5. Golden Crust: Achieve a beautiful, golden crust by using a baking stone and preheating your oven, reflecting the shine of Olympic medals. 6. Flavor Fusion: Experiment with global flavors in your sourdough, such as Italian herbs, Indian spices, or Japanese miso, to honor the diversity of the games. 7. Team Spirit: Bake with family or friends, creating a sense of unity and collaboration that mirrors the Olympic spirit. |
Next Steps... |
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! |
Sourdough Fun Facts |
1. Ancient Origins: Sourdough dates back thousands of years, much like the history of the Olympics. 2. Global Appeal: Sourdough is cherished worldwide, from San Francisco to Paris, highlighting the international unity celebrated during the games. 3. Fermentation: The sourdough fermentation process is similar to athletes’ rigorous training, requiring time and dedication for optimal results. 4. Health Benefits: Sourdough’s natural fermentation process makes it easier on the digestive system, just as athletes need proper nutrition for peak performance. 5. Historic Recipes: Early sourdough recipes were recorded in ancient Egypt, underscoring its deep historical roots. 6. Olympic Parallels: Both athletes and sourdough bakers strive for perfection, continually refining their skills for the best possible outcomes. 7. Cultural Connection: Each nation’s unique approach to sourdough or fermented breads reflects the diverse cultures represented in the Olympics. |
Exclusive Membership |
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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. |
Looking to Join a FUN Facebook Group Check Out Sourdough Mavericks Our group that is all support, sharing tips and trick & NO shaming or arguing! |
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Discard Recipes |
Gold Medal Sourdough Bagels |
Ingredients: • 1 cup sourdough starter (fed and bubbly) • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F) • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 tablespoon salt • 4 cups bread flour • 1 tablespoon barley malt syrup (for boiling) • Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sea salt for topping Instructions: 1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, sugar, and salt. Mix until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a dough forms. 2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. 3. Shape the Bagels: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then use your finger to create a hole in the center and stretch it into a bagel shape. 4. Boil the Bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the barley malt syrup. Boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side, then transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 5. Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle bagels with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. 6. Cool and Serve: Allow bagels to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy toasted with your favorite toppings! |
Olympic Torch Sourdough Rolls |
Ingredients: • 1 cup sourdough starter (fed and bubbly) • 1 cup warm water (110°F) • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 tablespoon salt • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 egg (for egg wash) • Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional) Instructions: 1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm water, sugar, and salt. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add olive oil and knead for an additional 2 minutes. 2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. 3. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a mini roll. For a torch shape, taper the ends of each roll to create a point. 4. Second Rise: Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes. 5. Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. 6. Cool and Serve: Let rolls cool slightly before serving. Perfect for dipping into soups or enjoying with savory spreads. |
Quote Of The Week |
"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well." - Pierre de Coubertin |
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20 Gold Medal Olympic Themed Sourdough Inclusions & Combinations |
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Guest Contributors |
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