Informational

There’s something magical about a healthy sourdough starter — the bubbles, the tangy aroma, the way it comes alive when it’s at its peak. Whether you’re brand new to sourdough or have been baking for years, understanding your starter’s health is the key to consistent, beautiful loaves. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your sourdough starter strong — from how often to feed it, to what flours help it thrive, and how to recognize when somet

If you’re anything like me, fermentation has probably been the trickiest part of sourdough baking. You mix your ingredients, do your stretch and folds, then you wait…and wonder… is it done yet? 😅  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links.   The truth is that fermentation is less about the clock and more about learning to read your dough. Recipes may say “bulk ferment for 4–6 hours,

🥖 Why Unprocessed Food Like Sourdough Is Better for You (And Why People Are Finally Waking Up) For a long time, we stopped asking what was in our food. We trusted the labels. If something said, “low fat” or “heart healthy,” we tossed it in the cart and called it good. But something wasn’t right. Our food was changing—and so were we. Now, people are paying attention again. They're baking bread, shopping farmers markets, reading ingredient lists, and asking questions like: "W

Sourdough baking starts with three things: flour, water, and salt. But flour, humble as it may seem is where the magic (or the frustration) begins. Whether you're just getting into sourdough or you're deep into hydration tweaks and starter rituals, understanding your flour is essential. In this deep dive, we’ll break down: The different types of wheat flour (and some non-wheat options)  How the milling process affects flavor, nutrition, and fermentation  Organic vs. convent

If you love carrot cake but want something quicker to whip up (and easier to share!), you’re going to love these carrot cake cookies . They’re soft, chewy, packed with texture from oats, carrots, coconut, and raisins—and they taste just like your favorite slice of carrot cake. Bonus? This recipe uses sourdough discard for a little extra tang and to cut down on waste. Win-win!    This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you

There’s something magical about bread that almost makes itself—minimal effort, big flavor, and that deeply satisfying crunch when you tear into it. This No-Knead Sourdough Focaccia has become a go-to in my kitchen for busy days or when I want to impress without the stress. Whether you're baking for a family dinner or just craving something soul-soothing, this one’s a winner. This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if

When I first dipped my toes into the world of farmers markets, I had a humble setup: just three sourdough loaves and a mountain of cookies. It was a small church camp market, and I quickly learned that the kids on recess were my primary customers. Fast forward a year, and I've gathered a wealth of knowledge about what works (and what doesn't) at these markets. One of the most valuable lessons? Know your market. Before setting up as a vendor, visit the market as a customer. Ob

There’s something magical about taking a simple mixture of flour, water, and salt and turning it into a loaf of bread that brings people joy. But behind every crusty, golden-brown sourdough loaf at my market table is a journey—one that starts days before the first customer ever lays eyes on it. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my baking process, from the very first stir of my starter to the moment I hand a fresh loaf to a happy customer. This post contains affiliate

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links.     Why 81% of Consumers Care About Food Ingredients—And Why Sourdough is a Smart Choice In an era of heightened food awareness, consumers are more conscious than ever about what goes into their food. Studies show that 81% of consumers want to know the ingredients in their food, and it’s easy to see why. With growing concerns about artificial

One of the most frustrating things for any sourdough baker—whether you’re a beginner or experienced—is pulling a dense, heavy loaf out of the oven when you were expecting a light, airy crumb. Trust me, I’ve been there. Even after opening my microbakery, I had moments where my loaves turned out denser than I’d hoped. It took time, experimentation, and a lot of troubleshooting to understand what went wrong and how to fix it. Here’s a deep dive into why your sourdough might be d

Eating Healthy Today: A Journey to Wellness The concept of “eating healthy” has evolved significantly over the decades. From the low-fat craze of the 1980s to the organic and farm-to-table movements of today, our understanding of nutrition has grown alongside our awareness of how food impacts our health. For me, this journey is deeply personal. It’s not just about trends or labels—it’s about reclaiming my health and finding a way to thrive. My Health Transformation In 2008, I

A sourdough starter is the heart of baking sourdough bread. Mastering its care and scaling it effectively opens a world of baking possibilities. Whether you're feeding your starter for maintenance or preparing for a big baking day, understanding ratios is essential. This guide will help you navigate feeding ratios, calculations, and techniques for scaling your starter for multiple loaves.   This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra

What's the Difference and Why They Matter in Bread Baking     Understanding Autolyse Autolyse, pronounced aw-toh-lees , is a method developed by French baker Raymond Calvel. It involves mixing flour and water together and letting them rest before adding other ingredients like salt or sourdough starter.   This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links.    How it Works: During the rest peri

Sourdough bread is a delicious and nutritious staple, but what if you can’t finish it all in one go? Freezing your sourdough can be a lifesaver, ensuring you always have fresh bread on hand. Here’s how to do it right!  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links.     Freezing Sourdough Bread: Best Practices Slice Before Freezing: Slice your sourdough before freezing to make thawing easi

In today's world, mental health has become a crucial aspect of overall wellness. Many people are seeking natural and effective ways to improve their mental wellbeing. One surprising method that has gained popularity is baking, specifically sourdough baking. Let's explore how the simple act of making sourdough bread can contribute to mental health, offer wellness benefits, and serve as a form of baking therapy.  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small co

In today's world, maintaining a balanced diet is essential for our overall health and well-being. One of the ways to achieve this is by incorporating sourdough into our daily meals. Not only does sourdough bread bring a unique flavor and texture to our tables, but it also offers numerous health benefits that contribute to a nutritious eating plan. Let's explore how you can make sourdough a staple in your balanced diet with some healthy meal ideas and delicious recipes.    Thi

Are you ready to embark on a little kitchen science experiment? Today, I’m going to guide you through the process of reactivating a dehydrated sourdough starter. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a new to sourdough, this step-by-step guide will have your starter bubbling and ready for action in no time!  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links.     What You’ll Need: Dehydrated sourd

Starting a journey of sourdough is exciting and can be daunting. Do you need a bread whisk? Can I proof my bread in a regular basket? Having the right tools can make a significant different in your baking experience and the quality of your loaves. Whether you're a novice or an experienced baker, these ten essential tools will help you perfect your sourdough game.      This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purc

Welcome to Bread and More, your neighborhood micro bakery where every loaf of sourdough bread is a labor of love, tradition, and craftsmanship. Nestled in the heart of Everton subdivision in Warrenville, our bakery is dedicated to bringing you the finest artisan sourdough, made with passion and expertise. The Art of Sourdough At Bread and More, we believe that great bread starts with great ingredients and a dedication to time-honored techniques. Our sourdough journey begins w