Cooking with my oldest 🫶

Making sourdough bread and pesto sauce at home is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to spend quality time with loved ones, such as cooking with your oldest child. Homemade sourdough offers a unique tangy flavor and a crispy crust that enhances any sandwich, especially when paired with a rich, herbaceous pesto sauce. Pesto, traditionally made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, lends vibrant color and depth to dishes like chicken melts. To create a perfect sourdough base, it's important to nurture your sourdough starter, feeding it regularly to keep the natural yeast active. This living culture helps the dough rise and develops its signature sour taste. When baking, creating steam in the oven improves crust texture. For the pesto, you can experiment with variations by using different nuts such as walnuts or almonds or incorporating spinach or arugula for a twist on the classic recipe. Combining these fresh flavors with grilled or roasted chicken and melting cheese creates a hearty and satisfying chicken melt. Cooking together fosters not only delicious meals but also lasting memories and shared skills. This recipe is a keeper for families looking to incorporate wholesome, homemade ingredients and enjoy a hands-on culinary experience. Enjoy crafting these homemade sourdough pesto chicken melts with your family and savor the warmth of shared cooking moments.