A sourdough baking addiction is a real thing! It's the obsession with making and baking sourdough bread that can take over your life. And mine all started with a free class at Abigail's Oven. I even stayed up all night to bake my first loaf.
Needless to say, it was not a beautiful loaf, but it tasted good. So I baked on.
With more than 300 loaves in my past it is clear I have to gate myself to keep from sliding into a baking addiction. But just because I have baked a lot of bread, it does not mean some of those bakes weren't disasters for sure.
You can learn from my mistakes as a novice baker at Martha's YourSourdoughStart.com, (see: Lessons From My Sourdough Failures.)
Even though I can easily go through a 50 lb. sack of our flour every month, I think I have kept sourdough baking addiction in check. However, that is mostly because in retirement I cannot afford all the flour I would need to bake every day.
Are You Addicted to Making Sourdough?
There are many reasons why people become addicted to sourdough baking. And here are some of the signs that you might be developing a sourdough baking addiction:
- You're constantly thinking about sourdough bread.
- You spend hours researching sourdough recipes and techniques.
- You've started giving away sourdough starter to your friends and family.
- You're willing to spend a lot of money on sourdough-related products, such as special flours, kitchen gadgets, and books.
- You're feeling guilty about how much time you're spending baking sourdough bread.
I don't know about you, but I am guilty of all of the above!
So What? It Might Just Be a Healthy Addiction
- The process is therapeutic. There's something about the slow, methodical process of feeding and caring for a sourdough starter that can be very calming and meditative.
- The results are delicious. Sourdough bread has a complex, tangy flavor that is unlike any other type of bread. It's also incredibly moist and chewy.
- It's a challenge. Mastering sourdough baking can be a challenge, but it's also very rewarding. When you finally get a loaf of sourdough bread that turns out perfectly, it's a feeling of pure satisfaction.
- It's a social activity. Sourdough baking is a great way to connect with other people who share your passion. There are many online sourdough communities where you can share recipes, tips, and advice. Just search Facebook and you will find many including ours at Abigail's Oven and Your Sourdough Start
If you're thinking about getting into sourdough baking, be warned: it can be addictive! But it's also a lot of fun, and the results are delicious.