Today is World Baking Day! In a world where there is a day for seemingly everything, let’s look briefly at its origins. In 2012, a German food company, Dr. Oetker, marked a day to celebrate baking. The purpose was to encourage people to bake together and share their baked goods with others. Here is an easy sourdough recipe if you want to celebrate World Baking Day.

Sourdough

If you have scrolled through social media lately, it seems like everyone is baking sourdough right now and many people are running micro-bakeries from their homes. However, sourdough is an ancient method for baking bread. Its current popularity is due in part to its easier digestibility. You can find countless recipes online. If you don’t already have a sourdough starter, ask around. I’m sure one of your friends has one they can share with you. Otherwise, you can order a starter or make your own from scratch.

In addition to loaves of sourdough bread, you can also make cinnamon rolls, pancakes, cookies, crackers, and so much more with a sourdough starter. Some recipes require active sourdough, meaning that it is fed and bubbly. On the other hand, some recipes require discard, which is the inactive sourdough starter typically in the fridge.

The recipe I am sharing with you today makes the easiest sourdough loaf. You don’t have to stretch and fold or let it rise for 24 hours. You can mix it up in the morning and have a fresh loaf for dinner. Plus, it only has four ingredients! However, it does require an active sourdough starter that has been fed at least two or three times. Therefore, you do have to plan ahead.

Sourdough Loaves-

700 g flour
2 tsp sea salt
50 g active starter
515 g warm water

In a large bowl, combine the ingredients and form a dough. Cover with a cloth napkin and allow it to sit in a warm place for 12 hours. 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. When you are ready to bake, divide the dough in half. Place one half either in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper or on a baking sheet lined with a silicon mat or parchment paper. Do the same for the second half. I use my dough scraper to “pour” it onto the pan. 

Cut three vents on the top of the loaf and bake for 20-22 minutes. It is ready when the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature is between 190 and 210 degrees. 

Since the recipe makes two loaves, it is the perfect recipe to share with your neighbor on World Baking Day.

Of course, you don’t have to bake sourdough bread to celebrate World Baking Day, but it is a lovely option. There is nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread. Plus, the crust has a crunch and the middle is soft. Adding a pat or two of butter takes it to the next level.

Regardless of whether you want to celebrate this made-up holiday, the purpose is a good one. Bake something delicious and share it with others. It is definitely a great way to make new friends.