I’m coming up with a short but meaningful post about a book I can’t stop recommending.
If you’ve been around for a while, you know I’ve been baking sourdough for years. Usually rustic breads and nothing too fancy. But about a year ago I decided to expand my knowledge and get a physical book just by Googling recipes. while there are so many Despite the resources out there, this one book has been a huge success for me: Artisan Sour Made Simple By Emily Raffa*.
The thing I love most about this book is exactly what the title promises – it keeps the sourness. Easy. The instructions are clear, accessible, and given in a way that makes the entire process very doable, even for a busy parent or someone who doesn’t want to make baking a full-time hobby.
I also love that many of the recipes don’t require a mixer or a long stretch and fold routine. Many only require one bowl, which also makes cleanup easier.
Check out all my sourdough recipes here.
Sour dough can seem intimidating at first, and new sour dough recipes can seem intimidating even after baking a loaf of bread for several years, but Emily does a great job of breaking down the timing and techniques into manageable steps. Instead of pressurizing you with complicated methods, she focuses on building confidence and helping you achieve consistent results.
And speaking of results – from baguettes to English muffins, I’ve had success with every recipe I’ve tried so far. My current favorites are focaccia (so fluffy and delicious with minimal effort) and sandwich bread, which have quickly become a staple in our house. It’s soft, cuts beautifully and makes the best toast.
Another thing I appreciate is how realistic the recipes seem to everyday life. Schedules are flexible, ingredient lists are simple (often just flour, water, and salt to get started!), and step-by-step guidance makes baking easy to fit into a normal routine.
I have no doubt that this post reads like a romantic love letter, but I might actually go as far as calling it a game changer for my sourdough baking. If you’re curious about sourdough but don’t know where to start – or if you’ve tried before and felt disappointed – this is the book I would hand you without hesitation.
*I highly recommend the spiral-bound option. This allows you to lay it flat, which is more useful than you might think.
Do you like baking sour dough?
Do you have any resources or advice that have been game changers for you?
