👩‍🍳 American Sourdough June 6th

As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, it's the perfect time to embark on some Sourdough Summer Adventures! Whether you're hitting the beach, going on a picnic, or firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ, sourdough baking can add a delicious and wholesome touch to your summer activities.

One of the great things about sourdough is its versatility. It's not just for bread – you can use your sourdough starter to create a wide range of tasty treats that are perfect for summer snacking. Think savory sourdough crackers for munching on during a hike, or tangy sourdough pretzels for enjoying by the pool. These portable snacks are easy to pack and sure to satisfy your hunger on the go.

If you're planning a picnic or outdoor gathering, why not whip up a batch of sourdough focaccia topped with seasonal herbs and vegetables? It's a simple yet impressive dish that pairs perfectly with salads, sandwiches, and grilled meats. And don't forget about dessert – sourdough discard can be transformed into decadent brownies or fruity cobbler bars that are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Baking sourdough in the summer months does come with its challenges, though. The warmer weather can speed up fermentation, so it's important to keep an eye on your dough and adjust your timing accordingly. You might also need to experiment with hydration levels and proofing times to achieve the perfect rise and texture in your loaves.

But don't let the heat deter you – with a little creativity and some careful planning, you can enjoy the delights of sourdough baking all summer long.

So grab your starter, dust off your baking tools, and get ready for a season filled with delicious Sourdough Summer Adventures!

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About Sourdough Baking to Complement your Sourdough Summer Adventures!

1. 1. Ancient Origins: Sourdough bread has been around for thousands of years, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient Egypt. It's one of the oldest known forms of leavened bread and has been enjoyed by civilizations throughout history.
      
      

   2. Wild Yeast Magic: Sourdough bread relies on wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria present in the sourdough starter to leaven the dough and develop its distinctive flavor. This natural fermentation process gives sourdough its tangy taste and unique texture.
      
      

   3. Health Benefits: Sourdough fermentation breaks down gluten and phytic acid in the dough, making it easier to digest and potentially more tolerable for those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index compared to commercial yeast bread, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.
      
      

   4. Starter Diversity: Sourdough starters can vary greatly in flavor and characteristics depending on factors like location, temperature, and ingredients. Each starter is a unique ecosystem of microorganisms, resulting in a wide range of flavors and textures in sourdough bread.
      
      

   5. Art and Science: Sourdough baking is both an art and a science, requiring a balance of creativity and precision. Bakers must understand the fermentation process and how to manipulate variables like hydration, temperature, and fermentation time to achieve desired results.
      
      

   6. Sourdough Around the World: While sourdough bread is commonly associated with European baking traditions, similar fermented breads can be found in cultures around the world. Examples include Ethiopian injera, Indian dosa, and Russian kvass bread.
      
      

   7. Community and Tradition: Sourdough baking fosters a sense of community and tradition, with bakers sharing knowledge, recipes, and starter cultures with each other. The sourdough community is vibrant and inclusive, with enthusiasts of all skill levels coming together to celebrate the art of baking with wild yeast.

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
Summer Berry Scones

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup fresh berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Gently fold in the fresh berries, lemon zest, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges.

6. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar, if desired.

7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.

8. Remove from the oven and let the scones cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these fluffy, berry-filled scones as a delightful summer treat!

Sourdough Discard

Grilled Flatbreads with Herbed Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or thyme)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Roll out each portion of dough into a thin circle or oval shape.
4. Place the dough rounds on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese, chopped herbs, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Spread the herbed goat cheese mixture over the grilled flatbreads while still warm.
7. Serve the flatbreads as a delicious appetizer or side dish at your next summer gathering. Enjoy the combination of tangy sourdough, creamy goat cheese, and fresh herbs!

• Lemon Thyme
• • Basil Sun-Dried Tomato
  • Honey Almond
  • Orange Chocolate
  • Mint Watermelon
  • Coconut Pineapple
  • Lavender Blueberry
  • Cinnamon Peach
  • Rosemary Garlic
  • Chili Mango
  • Lime Coconut
  • Raspberry White Chocolate
  • Blackberry Sage
  • Ginger Pear
  • Cardamom Apricot
  • Cherry Walnut
  • Strawberry Basil
  • Fig Goat Cheese
  • Pistachio Cranberry
  • Espresso Hazelnut
  • Apple Cinnamon
  • Blueberry Lemon
  • Vanilla Raspberry
  • Maple Pecan
  • Chili Lime

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