Never Buying Bread Again… Thanks to Jacky 👩🍳✨
I’m definitely not a pro baker, but recently I decided to try something new: making my own bread from scratch. It all started when I created my sourdough starter — I call her Jacqueline 🥖🍞💛
So far Jacky and I have baked:
🥖 A rustic sourdough boule (classic and cozy)
🍋🫐 A blueberry lemon zest boule (so fragrant & soft)
🍞 A sandwich loaf (soft and perfect for everyday)
🍂 A cinnamon swirl loaf (almost cake-like but delicious)
Next up: pumpkin breads for fall 🎃✨
This is just the beginning of my bread journey, and I thought it’d be fun to document it here. If you’ve ever wanted to try baking bread but felt nervous, let’s figure it out together. Follow along as Jacky and I experiment, learn, and (hopefully) level up into bakery-worthy loaves ✨🍂.
Want your own Jacky? Slide to get started!!
Starting your own sourdough starter like Jacqueline is an incredibly rewarding experience, especially for those new to bread baking. The process begins by combining equal parts whole wheat flour and water—typically 100 grams each—to create a mixture that naturally attracts wild yeast and beneficial bacteria from the environment. This mixture should be stirred thoroughly, loosely covered, and left at room temperature for 24 hours. Each day for about five days, you discard half of the starter and feed it fresh flour and water (usually all-purpose flour). This feeding routine encourages the growth of yeast colonies, which will later help your bread rise without commercial yeast. Maintaining the right feeding schedule and observing the starter's activity—such as bubbling and a pleasant tangy aroma—are key signs that your sourdough starter is thriving. A mature starter doubles in size and develops a domed top when ripe, indicating it’s ready for baking. When it comes to baking, experiment with different flour types and hydration levels to find textures and flavors that suit your taste. Popular breads like rustic sourdough boule have a hearty crust and chewy crumb, while a blueberry lemon zest boule adds a fruity fragrance and softness. Sandwich loaves are perfect for everyday use and versatile for various spreads and fillings, and a cinnamon swirl loaf offers a delightful sweet twist that’s almost cake-like. Seasonal variations like pumpkin bread are great for exploring new flavors and making baking an ongoing creative journey. Besides satisfying your hunger for fresh bread, making your own sourdough starter connects you with natural fermentation and tradition. Even if you are a novice baker, steady practice and patience help you level up into producing bakery-worthy loaves. If you’re nervous about starting, remember many beginners feel the same way. Joining communities, reading guides, and documenting your progress can turn baking into a fun and educational hobby. Not only will you save money by never buying bread again, but you’ll also enjoy the sense of accomplishment from creating delicious homemade bread that’s truly personalized to your liking.