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- 👩🍳 American Sourdough June 20th
👩🍳 American Sourdough June 20th
Sandra Gebhardt
June 20, 2024
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Trivia Question❓Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Summer Solstice Sunrise Baking Challenge |
Celebrate the summer solstice with a special invitation from The American Sourdough Association! On June 21st, as the sun graces us with its longest visit of the year, we invite you to embrace the tranquility and magic of the morning by starting your sourdough baking early at sunrise. The summer solstice, marking the peak of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, is a time of renewal and abundance. It's a moment when cultures worldwide celebrate the sun's journey and the promise of summer's warmth. Baking sourdough at sunrise offers a unique way to connect with nature's rhythms, harnessing the peaceful serenade of birdsong and the gentle glow of the rising sun filling your kitchen with warmth and inspiration. Imagine kneading dough as the first rays of sunlight paint the sky, infusing your bread with the essence of a new day. The slow, deliberate process of sourdough fermentation mirrors the gradual transition from darkness to light, capturing the solstice's symbolism of growth and vitality. Capture this serene moment with your sourdough creations and share it with us!
Join us in honoring the summer solstice with a slice of tradition and a sprinkle of creativity. Together, let's bake memories and share the magic of sunrise through the art of sourdough. |
Joke Of The Week |
Why did the loaf of sourdough go to therapy? It kneaded to work on its emotional yeast-ues. |
Sourdough Hacks |
Perfect for your Sourdough Summer Adventure! |
1. Prep the Night Before: Prepare your sourdough dough the evening before and let it undergo its bulk fermentation overnight in the refrigerator. This allows you to shape and bake the dough early in the morning without having to wake up hours before sunrise.
2. Use a Proofing Basket: Opt for a proofing basket (banneton) with a linen liner. This setup helps the dough retain its shape during the final proofing stage, ensuring a beautiful rise and structure when baked in the morning.
3. Plan Your Schedule: Calculate the timing for each stage of sourdough baking, considering the outdoor temperature changes during sunrise. Adjust your schedule accordingly to achieve optimal fermentation and proofing conditions.
4. Preheat Your Oven and Equipment: Preheat your oven and baking vessel (cast iron Dutch oven or baking stone) well in advance. This ensures a stable baking environment and promotes good oven spring for your sourdough loaf.
5. Use Natural Light: Take advantage of the natural morning light during sunrise for shaping and scoring your dough. Natural light provides better visibility and allows you to observe dough development and scoring techniques more clearly.
6. Experiment with Flavors: Incorporate seasonal flavors like citrus zest, fresh herbs, or seeds into your sourdough dough before shaping. These additions not only enhance the aroma but also complement the essence of sunrise baking.
7. Share the Experience: Invite friends or family to join you for a sunrise baking session. Share tips, stories, and the joy of watching the sunrise while your sourdough bread bakes to golden perfection.
These hacks not only streamline your sunrise baking process but also enhance your experience, allowing you to embrace the beauty of the early morning hours while creating delicious sourdough bread. |
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 Sunrise Baking |
1. Natural Yeast Activation: Early morning temperatures are often ideal for activating natural yeast in sourdough starters. The cooler, stable conditions help promote healthy fermentation and flavorful bread.
2. Enhanced Aroma: Baking bread during sunrise allows you to experience the full aroma of freshly baked sourdough as the day begins. The combination of morning dew and baking bread creates a delightful sensory experience.
3. Symbolism of Renewal: Many cultures and traditions associate sunrise with renewal and new beginnings. Baking bread at sunrise can symbolize starting fresh, both in the kitchen and in life.
4. Connection to Nature: Sunrise baking fosters a deeper connection to nature's rhythms. Aligning your baking schedule with the natural cycle of the sun can bring a sense of peace and harmony to your baking ritual.
5. Visual Appeal: Photographing your sourdough creations during sunrise can yield stunning visual effects. The soft, warm light of dawn enhances the golden crust and texture of freshly baked bread, making for captivating food photography.
6. Cultural Practices: Throughout history, baking bread at sunrise has been a cultural practice in various societies. It often symbolizes gratitude for the day's first light and sustenance for the day ahead.
7. Health Benefits of Early Rising: Baking bread early in the morning encourages early rising, which has been linked to improved mental clarity, productivity, and overall well-being.
Embrace the magic of sunrise baking with these fun facts, and enjoy the peaceful moments of creating delicious sourdough bread as the world wakes up around you. |
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 |
Sunrise Sourdough Discard Pancakes |
Ingredients: - 1 cup sourdough discard - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup milk - 1 egg - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions: 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, milk, egg, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. 2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil. 3. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. 4. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. 5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream. |