Baking Bonds: Sourdough Magic with My Daughter

Baking sourdough bread from scratch is an incredible family activity that not only teaches essential cooking skills but also fosters lasting memories. To get started, you'll need 100g of active sourdough starter, 350g of water, 10g of salt, and 475g of bread flour. Begin by mixing the sourdough starter and water until well combined. Then, add the flour gradually until no dry flour remains. This process can take about 15 minutes. Allow the mixture to rest for 30 minutes to let the flour absorb the water, a stage known as Autolyse. For bulk fermentation, let the dough rest for 4 to 6 hours, performing stretch and folds every 30 minutes for the first couple of hours. Shaping your dough takes about 15 minutes, and it's essential to allow it to proof for 1 to 4 hours or overnight in the fridge for best results. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Place the shaped dough on parchment paper, score the top, and transfer it to the hot Dutch oven, covering it with the lid for the first part of the baking process. Bake covered for 30 minutes, followed by an additional 15 to 20 minutes without the lid to achieve a golden-brown crust. Let your sourdough cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing. Enjoy sharing the warm, homemade bread with your loved ones!