About six months ago I finally started baking sourdough—something I had thought about for years but always postponed. It felt like one of those projects that would take too much time and energy, more than I could spare while raising two kids. Once I began, though, it surprised me. It wasn’t overwhelming. Instead it became a quiet, steady rhythm in my day that easily replaced store-bought loaves with something more personal.
I began with a robust starter I purchased online, and that helped build confidence, but sourdough turned out to be far more forgiving than I expected. It doesn’t require a lot of specialized tools or constant attention; it mostly asks for a bit of planning. After a few tries I found a rhythm and the process folded naturally into my routine.
Typically I feed my starter before bed. By midmorning it’s active and bubbly and stays in that peak window for a few hours, so I can mix dough whenever the day allows. That predictable flexibility feels grounding.
The first loaf I baked followed a straightforward artisan sourdough method. I braced for a dense, deflated result, but it emerged golden and crusty with a soft, airy crumb. It wasn’t perfect, but it was already better than most store loaves. Since then I’ve kept the same basic approach, making small adjustments over time—often swapping in some whole wheat for extra flavor and texture.
This is the formula I use most often:
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 390g warm water
- 150g whole wheat flour
- 350g bread flour
- 10g salt
With a fresh loaf the possibilities are endless. A simple slice with good butter is delicious on its own. My go-to comfort is avocado topped with a fried egg and a drizzle of chili oil. Lately I’ve been craving the bruschetta we enjoyed in San Diego’s Little Italy, so I’ve been recreating that at home straight from the oven.
Those small rituals—baking, slicing, sharing—are what keep me coming back. They’re familiar, simple, and quietly grounding. I didn’t think I had room for another routine, but sourdough found a place in my life and made space for me.