From Starter to Soul: Nancy Bradbury's Sourdough Journey
About a year and a half ago, I began my journey into the world of sourdough baking. What started as curiosity quickly grew into something much more meaningful. I’ve always loved cooking and baking, but sourdough brought a new level of connection, patience, and creativity into my kitchen.
There’s something special about working with sourdough. It’s not just about following a recipe. It’s about learning to read the dough, understanding timing, and embracing the natural rhythm of fermentation. This process can take years to perfect, so it teaches you patience in a way that few other things can. Some days everything goes perfectly, and other days are humbling reminders that there’s still so much to learn.
That’s one of the things I love most about sourdough; even after a year and a half, I don’t consider myself a master. I’m still learning every time I bake. Each loaf, each batch of waffles, pancakes or bundt cakes brings new lessons and small victories. It’s a process that encourages growth, experimentation, and a willingness to try again.
Beyond the baking itself, sourdough has become a therapeutic outlet for me. In the middle of busy days, it offers a sense of calm and focus. Measuring, mixing, and shaping is a way to slow down and be present. There’s a deep satisfaction in creating something from simple ingredients and watching it come to life over time.
Sharing what I bake with family, friends and neighbors has also been incredibly rewarding. Food has a way of bringing people together, and sourdough, with its warmth and tradition, feels especially meaningful to share.
This journey is about the experience and learning as well as the joy found along the way rather than perfection. While I know I still have much to discover, I’m grateful for every lesson.