Baking Memories: How to Make Sourdough Bread With Your Toddler

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There's something magical about the aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread that fills your home, isn't there? The crackling sound as you slice through the crispy crust, revealing the soft, airy interior, is nothing short of comforting. But did you know that making sourdough bread isn't just about creating delicious loaves; it's also about creating beautiful memories with your loved ones? In this blog post, I'll guide you through the art of making sourdough bread and share how you can get your toddler involved in the process while keeping your sourdough starter happy. Let's start on this yummy journey together!

The Sourdough Starter

Before we dive into baking, let's talk about the heart and soul of sourdough bread – the starter. Maintaining a healthy starter is vital to crafting mouthwatering loaves. But don't worry, it's simpler than it sounds.

Personal Tip: When I started my sourdough journey, I named my starter "Buttercup." It may seem silly, but it added a personal touch that made the process more enjoyable.

1. Share the Love: You can get a leftover starter from a friend, This is a great way to get started. You not only get an already mature happy starter but you get one with a unique flavor and history.

2. Visit a Farmers Market: Farmers markets usually have somebody selling these yummy loaves, and sometimes if you are lucky they will sell you some starter or dehydrated starter with instructions on how to feed it.

3. Create Your Starter: Begin with equal parts of flour and water, and let it sit in a glass jar. It'll come to life in a few days.

4. Feeding Routine: Keep your starter happy by feeding it daily. Everybody has a different way of feeding their starter. I use 30g starter, 125g water, 145g flour. Make it a fun routine for your toddler to help with and have fun experimenting.

5. Maintaining: If you don't plan on baking several times a week you can store your starter in the fridge with the lid on the jar till you are ready to bake. Take your starter out of the fridge, remove the lid, and let it come to room temperature. Feed as normal.

Tip: Only store in the fridge for two weeks at a time without feeding.

Tip: Make sure to only set the lid on your starter after a feed. If the jar is sealed the pressure can build too much and explode the jar.

Making the Dough

Now that your starter is bubbling with life, it's time to make the dough. This is where your toddler can get hands-on.

Personal Tip: My son loves helping me mix the ingredients. He giggles when the dough sticks to his hands.

1. Ingredients: Gather flour, water, salt, and your active sourdough starter.

The recipe I use is super simple and always turns out great.

• 60g starter

• 472g warm water, mix together

• 1.5 teaspoons salt

• 720g bread flour

Tip: Your dough should be sticky but hold a nice ball shape.

1. Mixing: Let your toddler pour ingredients into a mixing bowl and assist in stirring. It's messy but memorable!

2. Kneading: Tiny hands can help knead the dough. It's a great sensory experience for them.

Patience and Love

Sourdough bread requires time and patience, which are valuable lessons for your toddler.

Personal Tip: I tell my son that waiting for the dough to rise is like waiting for a surprise – it makes the anticipation exciting.

1. The Bulk Fermentation: Leave the dough to rise, and involve your little one in checking its progress. Explain how the yeast from your starter is working its magic. We let our dough rise while we sleep, my son tucks it in (saran wrap over the bowl) and we say goodnight. In the morning we untuck the dough and it has doubled in size!

2. Shaping the Loaf: Show your toddler how to shape the dough into a beautiful loaf. Their imagination might surprise you!

Baking Magic

As you preheat the oven to 450 and put your Dutch oven in to get nice and toasty, let your dough do a second rise for 30 minutes. Put your beautiful loaf into the Dutch oven: My son always says "Bread is hiding now" You're both about to witness the magic of transformation.

Personal Tip: The look of amazement on my toddler's face when the bread puffs up in the oven is priceless.

1. Baking: Your toddler can help set the timer and anxiously wait for the bread to bake.

2. Sharing the Aroma: As the heavenly scent wafts through your kitchen, you'll see your toddler's excitement build.

Breaking Bread Together

The best part of making sourdough bread is sharing it with loved ones. Sit down as a family and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Personal Tip: Our family tradition is to have a fresh piece with butter, honey, and a little dash of salt. It's an anticipated moment each time we make it. Braxton loves to help drizzle the honey.

1. Slice and Serve: Let your toddler help slice the bread (with supervision) and serve it. It's a small act of independence they'll relish. This toddler knife set works well.

2. Quality Time: Enjoy this moment, where the softness of the bread mirrors the warmth of your family bond.

It's All About The Magic

Making sourdough bread with your toddler isn't just about delicious loaves; it's about creating lasting memories. The lessons of patience, love, and togetherness are invaluable. So, name your starter, mix that dough, and savor the magic of sourdough – together. Happy baking!