Welcome to my little corner of the internet — and thank you for being here.
This blog is where I share my love for sourdough, seasonal bakes, and the slow magic that happens in the kitchen when we let time do the work. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who’s simply curious about a calmer, more intentional way of cooking — you’re in the right place.
🌾 The beginning of it all…
I’ve always loved baking. Trying new recipes was part of how I stayed connected to a healthy lifestyle without feeling restricted — I believe food should nourish both your body and your joy. Over time, sourdough kept popping up in my social media feed, and something about it pulled me in. I was already the kind of person who chose better bread in the shops, so the idea of learning how to bake something wholesome, digestible, and homemade felt like a natural step forward.
I also noticed how baking helped me feel peaceful. It brought me into the moment, especially when life felt rushed. I’d bake for my loved ones often — birthdays, quiet weekends, just-because days. One of my biggest inspirations was my then-boyfriend. He had such a love for sweet treats, and seeing his face light up when I served something warm from the oven made me want to keep baking more. I think that’s when I really understood how powerful it is to feed the people you love.
🕰️ Why sourdough feels different
There’s something sacred about sourdough. It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t demand. It teaches you patience — and if you’re willing to listen, it actually works around your life.
Once I began to understand my starter’s rhythm, I realised how flexible and forgiving the process could be. It wasn’t just bread. It was a dance between science and feel.
And that’s what hooked me.
Unlike store-bought yeast, sourdough is alive. It breathes, it grows, it needs care. You can’t just set a timer and walk away — you have to learn it. Every starter has a personality. Every dough has its own signs. And once you understand them, you unlock something truly special.
🧂 The early days: flat loaves and sticky strawberry floors
Of course, the beginning was rocky. Bulk fermentation confused me endlessly — I couldn’t figure out how to “read the dough,” and I didn’t understand why one bake took 5 hours while another needed 9.
I over-proofed loaves, under-proofed buns, and had my share of disasters. One Easter, I made hot cross buns that were so dense and hard I couldn’t even serve them. My strawberry rolls? The filling leaked all over the floor instead of staying inside the dough.
But eventually, there came a turning point. A few months in, I remember watching my dough rise so perfectly during bulk ferment, shaping it with care, and finally pulling the most beautiful loaf out of the oven. I had stared at it all day — but it was worth it.
🍞 How sourdough became part of my life
I haven’t bought a loaf of bread since the 2nd of February 2025.
That wasn’t a goal — it just happened. Baking bread became something I just do. Like brushing my teeth. Now I plan around it, experiment constantly, and I’m always thinking of new ways to use my discard — in granola bars, gnocchi, pasta, even sweet bakes.
Sourdough grounds me, but it also gives me energy. I feel calm when my hands are in dough, but creatively alive when I’m dreaming up my next inclusion loaf or trying something wild with discard.
And I’m always learning. Every reel I post on Instagram, every story I share, every baker I follow — we’re all learning together. Even Michelin-starred chefs are still learning. That’s what I love most: there’s no “final level.” Just more bread.
💌 A little note to you, dear reader
If you’ve found your way here, I want you to know — you belong here. Whether you’ve baked fifty loaves or you’re still googling what a banneton is, you are welcome.
This blog is for:
- Total beginners who feel intimidated by sourdough
- Curious home bakers who want to experiment and play
- Anyone who loves a slower, more meaningful way of living and eating
You don’t need fancy tools or decades of experience. Just a jar of starter, a bit of flour, and the willingness to keep trying.
Nobody ever says “I wish I didn’t start.” We all mess up. Even the best bakers have off days. But if you stick with it, you’ll learn. You’ll grow. And one day, you’ll pull a loaf from your oven and feel so proud — because you made it happen.
🫶 Let’s bake together
Leave a comment and tell me — what got you curious about sourdough?
And if you’re just starting, I’d love to send you a bit of my own dehydrated starter to get you going (available for free in the UK and Channel Islands!).
With flour-dusted hands,
Madara
@madarabakesjersey
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