Goodbye, flavorless, mediocre grocery store bread. Hello, homemade, whole grain sourdough bread. It is superior in both nutrition and flavor. For fun, imagine all bread on a continuum, from meh to wow. On the meh end, we will put a commercially produced, white flour product like Wonder Bread (which does make you wonder). These loaves are fabricated to please an inclination for something squishy and white, but offer little in the way of flavor, nutrients, or fiber. In the middle lie commercial multigrain or whole grain products, created for more nutritional value, but dependent on additives for development, flavor, and shelf life. Just read the labels. At the other end is the wow: homemade, long-ferment, whole grain sourdough bread in all its glory. Welcome to bread at its simplest: a combination of whole grain flours, water, lively microbes, and salt. It requires high-quality ingredients, time, and human touch. It is unbeatable in flavor, nutrition, digestibility, and the X factor (love). Hallelujah.
The popularity of whole grain sourdough bread is definitely on the rise, as people begin to understand the influence of prebiotic and probiotic foods. But many home bakers are intimidated by the idea of baking their own sourdough bread and working with whole grain flours. I’m here to show you that it isn’t hard. What’s needed is a basic understanding of how sourdough works, along with clear, straightforward directions. This book details each step to ensure success. My goal in writing the book is to help you feel more confident as a baker. You will find bread recipes here that will appeal to both beginners who are new to baking sourdough bread, and more experienced bakers who are looking to expand their repertoire to include whole grains. The recipes are loosely organized from easier to more challenging, so feel free to begin where you’re most comfortable. And to make your sourdough experience complete, each of these internationally influenced breads has a pair of yummy recipes to go with it—a spread, a soup, or an entrée.
Beyond the sensual pleasure of making and eating wholesome bread, my hope is that you will discover the quiet sense of accomplishment and gratitude that comes when you lift freshly made bread out of the oven. Divine.