👩‍🍳 American Sourdough July 25

During the vibrant days of summer, sourdough baking takes on a delightful twist as it embraces the season’s fresh flavors and light, airy textures. Sourdough enthusiasts can amplify their baking repertoire by infusing their loaves, pizzas, and treats with the essence of summer.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a crusty loaf infused with the tang of sun-ripened tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a hint of garlic. This Mediterranean-inspired sourdough bread not only complements a summer salad but also makes a perfect companion to a backyard barbecue. For those craving a taste of the coast, a seafood-topped sourdough pizza with a crispy, golden crust offers a savory journey to seaside flavors.

When dessert beckons, sourdough doesn’t shy away. Picture a light and fluffy lemon-blueberry sourdough cake, bursting with the zesty sweetness of citrus and the tartness of ripe berries. Its moist crumb and tangy glaze make it an irresistible treat on a warm afternoon.

Sourdough’s adaptability shines through in the summer, offering endless possibilities for creative culinary adventures. Whether you’re adding fresh herbs and vegetables for savory depth or blending in seasonal fruits for a touch of sweetness, each creation celebrates the bounty of the season.

Embrace the joy of summer by experimenting with sourdough in your kitchen. From breakfast to dessert, its unique fermentation process and complex flavors elevate every dish. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic of summer-inspired sourdough baking unfold, bringing smiles and satisfaction to your table.

Explore new flavors, techniques, and recipes to make this summer unforgettable with the warmth and aroma of freshly baked sourdough.

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1. Ancient Origins: Sourdough bread is one of the oldest forms of leavened bread, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient Egypt around 1500 BC.

2. Wild Yeast: Unlike commercially produced yeast, which is a single strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), sourdough starter contains a diverse community of wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria that coexist symbiotically.

3. Unique Flavors: Each sourdough starter is unique, influenced by its environment and the local microflora. This uniqueness contributes to the distinct flavor profiles of sourdough breads around the world.

4. Health Benefits: The fermentation process in sourdough enhances nutrient absorption and digestibility of bread, making it easier on the digestive system compared to conventional bread.

5. Sourdough and Gold Rush: During the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century, sourdough became synonymous with prospectors. Miners often carried sourdough starters with them, leading to the nickname “sourdoughs.”

6. Longevity: With proper care, sourdough starters can survive for decades or even centuries, passed down through generations and becoming a cherished family heirloom.

7. Cultural Significance: Sourdough has cultural significance in many regions worldwide. For example, San Francisco sourdough is famous for its tangy flavor, attributed to the unique microbial environment of the city.

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.

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Optional: herbs like rosemary or thyme, grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and any optional herbs or cheese.

3. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a dough.

4. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and roll it out thinly using a rolling pin. For even thickness, you can place another sheet of parchment paper on top and roll over it.

5. Score the dough into squares or rectangles with a knife or pizza cutter.

6. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy.

7. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• 1/2 cup warm water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, warm water, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.

4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

5. Roll out each dough ball into a thin circle or oval, about 1/4 inch thick.

6. Brush each flatbread with olive oil on both sides.

7. Place the flatbreads directly on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the dough is cooked through.

8. Remove the flatbreads from the grill and top with cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and crumbled feta cheese.

9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious grilled sourdough discard flatbreads as a light and flavorful summer appetizer or side dish!

• 1. Citrus Zest Infusion: Add the zest of citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or orange to your sourdough discard. This adds a bright, citrusy flavor to your baked goods.
  
  

  2. Herb and Garlic Infusion: Mix chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil with minced garlic into your sourdough discard. This infusion adds savory depth to your bread.
  
  

  3. Spicy Pepper Infusion: Add finely chopped spicy peppers such as jalapeños or serranos to your sourdough discard for a kick of heat in your bread.
  
  

  4. Vanilla Bean Infusion: Scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean pod and mix them into your sourdough discard. This infusion adds a rich vanilla flavor to your baked goods.
  
  

  5. Cinnamon and Nutmeg Infusion: Mix ground cinnamon and nutmeg into your sourdough discard. This infusion adds warm, comforting spice flavors to your bread.
  
  

  6. Honey and Ginger Infusion: Stir in honey and freshly grated ginger into your sourdough discard. This infusion adds sweetness with a hint of ginger’s zing.
  
  

  7. Coffee Infusion: Mix brewed coffee or coffee grounds into your sourdough discard. This infusion adds a subtle coffee flavor to your bread, perfect for coffee lovers.
  
  

  8. Coconut Milk Infusion: Replace some of the water in your sourdough discard with coconut milk. This infusion adds a tropical twist and richness to your baked goods.
  
  

  9. Maple Syrup and Pecan Infusion: Stir in maple syrup and chopped pecans into your sourdough discard. This infusion adds a sweet maple flavor with crunchy nutty bites.
  
  

  10. Chai Spice Infusion: Mix chai spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger into your sourdough discard. This infusion adds aromatic, warm spice flavors to your bread.

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