Step-by-Step Roadmap for a Strong Sourdough Starter

Before commercial yeast became available, bakers used sourdough, or natural levain, to make bread. This skill has declined afterwards due to the convenience of using instant yeast, and flavor was sacrificed. However, these past few months, sourdough has become the latest rage in the amateur bread makers’ world, and I was definitely not the exception. Sourdough rises naturally by airborne yeast. It’s the oldest style of leavened bread and dates from 5000 years ago. It can result in a crusty flavorful loaf of bread and it is truly the perfect combination of art and science. I am by no means an expert but this is how I made my starter, after weeks of research and several books read. Once you have an active starter, usually takes AT LEAST 7-14 days, you can easily start using it to make the most delicious and sour breads. Use this guide is a stepping stone, and I highly recommend you read the book Tartine Bread and check out renowned bakers YouTube channels to learn more about about sourdough starters and sourdough breads. I hope this helps!

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Pain au Lait Rolls (Tangzhong Method option)

Pain au Lait Rolls (Tangzhong Method option)

Milk as an ingredient makes bread soft and adds a bit of sweetness to it. The recipe I am sharing with you has approaches. One which includes the Asian Tangzhong method of preparing a roux to make even softer rolls. The second one doesn’t. Both are super easy and end up giving you the most delicious and soft rolls ever! You can keep them plain and enjoy them with some Labneh or as a ham and cheese sandwich. Or you can add some chocolate chips to the dough. Your pick!

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Texas de Brazil-Style Brazilian Cheese Bread

Texas de Brazil-Style Brazilian Cheese Bread

I definitely miss eating out during this stay-at-home order! And one of my favorite places in Cleveland is the Brazilian steak chain Texas de Brazil. They serve wonderful Cheese Bread balls that are gooey and warm, instead of regular bread slices. These cheese dough balls are gluten-free, thus perfect for dietary restrictions. And since my husband and I were craving them, I looked up recipes to try to recreate these masterpieces. This one is straight out (with few alterations) of the “Great British Bake Off: Get Baking with Friends and Family” book and it was perfect as an appetizer for the US Mother’s Day this past Sunday. Traditional recipe contains manioc starch and “meia cura” cheese but these aren’t available where I live and I found tapioca flour and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan to be a great substitute for both these ingredients.

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My Favorite Cardamom Knots

My Favorite Cardamom Knots

Comfort food at its best. I just love cardamom in desserts and this one is no different, if not better, specially fresh out of the oven. These knots are then covered with a cardamom syrup that adds another depth of flavors. You can absolutely prepare the knots the night before, chill them in the fridge overnight, then bake them in the morning. 

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Banana, Cinnamon & White Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Banana, Cinnamon & White Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns are an Easter staple in the UK, specially for Good Friday, but most of the world is catching on lately. Traditionally, they’re a spiced sweet bun, marked with a ross in top and they mark the end of Lent. The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus and the spices represent the spices used to embalm him at His burial. Here’s my take on Hot Cross Buns: Banana, cinnamon & white chocolate hot cross buns for the win!

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