Why I Started and Stopped Sourdough
Because I thought it would be fun. Because I wanted pretty pictures of bread. Because I wanted to be like the cool homesteaders on Instagram. Because I like to bake. Because I wanted to use my hands. Because I thought learning would be fun. Because there are too many recipes to choose from. Because maybe I got the wrong flour. Because I think my house is too cold. Because I named her Gretchen because everyone names their starter. Because it is not doubling like that blogger said it would. Because I never know the right time to feed it. Because I do not know if I discard enough or too much. Because this is not as easy as it looks. Because the starter is finally growing! Because maybe it is time to start my first loaf. Because the dough didn’t rise like that blogger said it would. Because I didn’t bake it long enough. Because maybe I baked it too long. Because it was way too dense. Because I think I let it proof on the counter too long. Because I didn’t let it cold proof long enough in the fridge. Because none of this makes any sense to me. Because I need to go out of town. Because I need someone to feed Gretch for me while I’m gone. Because this is more work than a pet. Because it feels like more work than my children. Because I don’t need pretty pictures that much. Because I am not the homesteader on Instagram. Because I am me. Because I can’t even eat the bread. Because I am gluten free. Because I don’t even like sourdough.
