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Fall’s Here, and It’s Time to Get Baking: Why Not Try Sourdough? 

It’s September, the kids are back in school, and that can only mean one thing: fall is officially here (at least in my book)! With the crisp air and cozy vibes, it’s the perfect time to fire up your oven and start baking those warm, comforting treats. And what better way to kick off the season than by starting your very own sourdough adventure? 

I’ve been interested in trying my hand at sourdough for a while now, watching from the sidelines, and finally, I decided to jump in! 

What inspired me? This incredible Italian flour called Manny’s Choice that I heard about on the Ananda podcast . The hosts were raving about how clean and pure it is, and guess what? Many people who are gluten-sensitive here in the U.S. can actually tolerate it!  

Naturally, I called up my bestie, Becky, who owns and operates the most adorable family farm in Nebraska—Colby Farms. If you’re ever near Omaha, you have to check it out! 

She is the queen of chickens, and I look forward to diving into raising chickens and organic eggs in a future blog post! 

Becky is my go-to gal for all things sourdough, and let me tell you, her sourdough scones are divine!  Not to mention she has a killer pancake recipe as well using her hubby’s famous Timbo’s spice! 

It’s a no brainer that I reached out to Becky, when I was finally ready to get started, to pick her brain on the “dos” and “don’ts” of sourdough 101. Not only did she share her story on how she got started, but she also turned me on to what I now call the “Sourdough Bible” (you can grab it here on Amazon)! 

I am thrilled to feature her in my first guest blog post! 

Enjoy reading more about her sourdough journey and pro tips and tricks. Join us as we dive into the magic of sourdough, learn why it’s worth all the hype, and share some of Becky’s delicious recipes that will inspire you to dust off that apron. Plus, don’t forget to snag some Timbo’s Spice [here]—you’ll thank me later when you taste those pancakes! 

 

Hi everyone, Becky here, and I’m thrilled to share how my sourdough adventure began! My husband and I own a small family farm in Omaha, NE, called Colby Farms, that we run with the help of my parents. Coming from a farming background, we’ve always believed in self-reliance and sustainability. This inspired me to learn a skill I could pass down for generations—and sourdough was the perfect fit. 

It all started during my baby shower, when my sweet cousin brought her sourdough starter. The women in my family each brought jars and flour, and together, we made our own sourdough starters. We bonded through the feeding process and later gathered again to bake our first loaves together. I was hooked! From then on, I became passionate about experimenting with sourdough in new, healthy recipes. (Many of which we sell at local farmer’s markets, in our growing farm store, and even offer porch pick-up!) 

Each week, my family and I would try a different recipe from the book my cousin introduced us to: Artisan Sourdough Made Simple by Emilie Raffa. (side note, if you’re just starting your sourdough journey, I highly recommend this book—it’s been a game-changer for us!) 

 

The Magic of Sourdough 

There’s something magical about sourdough. It’s simple yet transformative—just flour, water, and time create a delicious, tangy bread. But why are so many people jumping on the sourdough bandwagon? What are the benefits of making sourdough at home? And, once you’ve got your starter, what can you do with it beyond baking bread? Sourdough is more than just a loaf of bread—it’s an experience. When you bake with sourdough, you’re creating something from scratch, nurturing a living starter, and participating in an ancient tradition that’s been around for centuries. 

 

Sourdough 101: Why Everyone’s Obsessed + Fun Recipes You Have to Try 

Sourdough has become the home baking trend, and it’s not just about making bread. From health benefits to endless creative possibilities, there’s a reason why people have fallen in love with this tangy, delicious dough. Whether you’re new to the world of sourdough or you’ve been feeding your starter like it’s a pet, I’m here to guide you through the wonderful world of sourdough. Let’s explore why people are crazy about it and dive into some seriously fun recipes (think sourdough bagels, pancakes, and scones). Spoiler alert: you’re gonna want to try these ASAP. 

Why is Everyone Obsessed with Sourdough? 

1. It’s Super Good for You – and it’s gut-friendly  

Sure, sourdough tastes amazing, but did you know it’s also better for you than most breads? It’s easier on your stomach too! Thanks to its natural fermentation process, sourdough is easier to digest and gentler on your gut. It’s packed with probiotics, and the slow fermentation breaks down gluten, so you won’t feel as bloated. Many people who can’t tolerate regular bread have no issues with sourdough! Plus, it has a lower glycemic index than most breads, so it doesn’t spike your blood sugar the way other breads do! That’s a win-win in my book, especially when it comes to managing my type 1 diabetes. Bread that’s tasty and healthy? Sign me up! 

 

2. It’s All-Natural – pure & simple 

Let’s be real, most store-bought breads are full of ingredients you can’t even pronounce. Sourdough, on the other hand, is as clean as it gets—just flour, water, and a little salt. That’s it!  And if you’re like me and care about what’s going into your body, sourdough is the pure, wholesome answer. Which is why I highly recommend using Manny’s Choice Flour. It is the ONLY flour I use, and simply is the best of the best, cleanest, purest flour you can find. [insert Manny’s choice link] Also, you’re literally growing your own yeast at home, which feels kind of magical! 

3. It’s a Fun (and Addictive) Hobby 

Making sourdough is like having a quirky science experiment bubbling away in your kitchen. You’re basically creating a mini-ecosystem of wild yeast and bacteria, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about nurturing it to life and watching it grow! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked – you’ll find yourself tweaking recipes and experimenting with flavors, sharing your freshly baked loaves with family and friends. Plus, there’s nothing more rewarding than pulling a golden, crusty loaf out of the oven that you made. It’s a little bit like raising a pet—minus the vet bills. [insert Cambry always asking for “girl time and what can we make/bake?” 

4. That Tangy, Irresistible Flavor 

Sourdough’s signature tang is what sets it apart from any other bread. Whether you’re slathering it with butter for breakfast or dipping it into a hearty fall soup, it elevates the taste experience like nothing else. Trust me, once you’ve tried sourdough, there’s no going back to regular bread. 

The Benefits of Sourdough 

Beyond the flavor and the fun of nurturing a living culture, sourdough offers some unique health benefits: 

1. Easier to Digest 

The natural fermentation process of sourdough helps break down gluten and other hard-to-digest components of wheat. This means that some people who are sensitive to gluten find sourdough easier on their stomachs.  

PRO TIP: I use Manny’s Choice flour because the brand is truly dedicated to the health of its customers. The flour is imported from Italy and grown in nutrient dense soil, using Old World Farming Practices to ensure the healthiest flour.  

*Old World Farming and milling practices ensure that grains are rich in nutrients, physically beneficial and amazingly flavorful. Many people who are gluten intolerant are able to enjoy and comfortably digest this flour!  

2. Better Nutrient Absorption 

Fermentation makes the nutrients in the flour more bioavailable. This means that sourdough can enhance the absorption of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. 

3. Lower Glycemic Index 

Sourdough has a lower glycemic index compared to other breads, meaning it won’t cause as dramatic of a spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it a better option for people looking to manage their blood sugar. [insert perfect for people with type 1 diabetes like me] 

4. No Artificial Additives 

Store-bought bread is often loaded with preservatives, sugars, and artificial additives. With homemade sourdough, you know exactly what’s going into your bread—just flour, water, salt, and a lot of love. 

How to Make a Sourdough Starter (aka Your New Best Kitchen Friend) 

Alright, ready to get your own starter going? It’s super easy, and in just a week, you’ll have a bubbly, happy starter that you can use for bread, pancakes, bagels—you name it! Here’s how: 

What You Need: 

• 1/2 cup of flour (whole wheat or all-purpose, just make sure it’s unbleached) 

• 1/4 cup of lukewarm water (filtered is best) 

• A big jar and a spoon 

Day 1: Let the Magic Begin! 

Mix 1/2 cup of flour with ¼ cup of lukewarm filtered water in your jar until it’s smooth (like pancake batter). Cover it loosely (you want it to breathe!), and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Congrats, your sourdough adventure has officially begun! 

Day 2: Feeding Time!  

By now, you might see some bubbles (but no pressure if you don’t). It’s time to discard half of the starter (I know, it feels weird, but trust me). Then, feed it 1/2 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of water. Stir it up, cover, and let it sit. 

Days 3-5: Rinse and Repeat 

Repeat the discard and feed routine every day. Around day 3, you should see some action—bubbles and a tangy smell. That’s the wild yeast working its magic! 

Days 6-7: Things Are Getting Serious 

By day 6, your starter should be rising and bubbling like crazy. Feed it twice a day now (morning and evening) to really get it going. Once it’s doubled in size within a few hours of feeding, it’s ready for baking! 

Pro Tip: Want to know if your starter’s ready to bake with? Drop a spoonful into water—if it floats, it’s ready to go! 

Sourdough Maintenance: How to Keep Your Starter Alive & Happy (Without Stressing): 

Your starter is like a low-maintenance pet—it needs regular care and feeding to stay healthy. Here are some tips to keep it happy: 

• Feed it regularly: Your starter’s like a tiny, bubbly pet that needs to be “fed” fresh flour and water regularly to keep it active. If you’re baking often, keep it on the counter and feed it daily. If you’re not baking every day, store it in the fridge to slow down its activity and feed it once a week. 

• Use the discard: Every time you feed your starter, you’ll have extra “discard” (the part you remove before feeding). Don’t throw it away! Use it for recipes like pancakes, waffles, crackers, or even pizza dough. 

• Take a break: Going on vacation or just need a break from baking? No problem! Let it chill – pop your starter in the fridge and give it a good feeding when you’re back. (It’ll be good for up to a week.) You can even freeze it (up to 3 months). Just remember to take it out, leave it at room temperature for a few hours before feeding it, a day or two before you want to use it again. 

 

 

Creative Sourdough Recipes You’ll Love 

So, you’ve got a sourdough starter. Now what? Sure, you can bake bread, but let’s go beyond the basic sourdough loaf and explore some fun recipes that will take your baking to the next level. Here are 3 fun, easy sourdough recipes that go way beyond your basic loaf: 

 

1. Sourdough Bagels (Yes, Really) 

Ever made homemade bagels? Now’s your chance. Sourdough bagels have that perfect chewiness and just the right amount of tang. You’ll need a bit of patience since the dough ferments overnight, but trust me, it’s worth it. Sourdough bagels are a must-try!  

*PRO TIP: Try this incredible Everything Bagel seasoning to elevate the flavor! How to Make Them: 

• Mix flour, water, salt, and sourdough starter. 

• Let the dough rise overnight. 

• Shape into bagels, boil them briefly, and bake until golden. 

• Top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a sprinkle of Timbo’s Smoked Cinnamon-sugar Spice for a little sweetness. 

 

2. Sourdough Pancakes (So Fluffy, So Good) 

Got extra sourdough starter? Don’t toss it—turn it into the fluffiest pancakes ever. These pancakes are super light with just a hint of sourdough flavor. Perfect for lazy Sunday, they’ll quickly become your go-to for weekend brunch.  

How to Make Them: 

• Whisk together your sourdough discard flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of sugar. 

• Let the batter sit for 15-30 minutes to develop that sourdough magic. 

• Cook on a hot griddle and serve with butter, syrup, or fresh fruit or whipped cream for a special breakfast treat. 

*PRO TIP: Add a dash of Timbo’s Spice for a sweet-savory twist! 

 

3. Sourdough Scones (Tangy and Buttery) 

Buttery, crumbly, and with a subtle tang, sourdough scones are perfect for breakfast, or an afternoon treat. You can customize them with mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or even cheddar and herbs! Next-level. 

How to Make Them: 

• Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cold butter until you’ve got a crumbly mixture. 

• Stir in sourdough starter and a splash of milk. Add in your favorite mix-ins (think chocolate chips or fruit). 

• Shape into triangles or rounds 

• Bake until golden and enjoy warm with butter and jam —or try a savory version with cheddar and chives! 

Ready to Start Your Own Sourdough Journey? 

Sourdough is more than just bread— it’s delicious and healthy. It is more than just a trend – it’s an experience that connects you to the craft of baking in a deep, rewarding way. Whether you’re drawn to the health benefits, perfecting a classic loaf or you want to try something new (hello bagels and scones!), your starter is the key to endless baking adventures. So, what are you waiting for? Time to get that starter bubbling! 

If you’re all pumped up and ready to dive into the world of sourdough, go grab the Sourdough Bible I mentioned earlier—it’s packed with tips, tricks, and recipes to help you master the art. And don’t forget to check out Timbo’s Spices here to elevate your sweet and savory creations! 

I want to hear from you—what’s your sourdough story? Share your favorite recipes, tips, or any fun sourdough hacks you’ve discovered in the comments below. Let’s keep this sourdough conversation going! Happy baking!